Apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An example of an apparatus includes a ring-shaped portion, a detector and a main portion. At least a part of the ring-shaped portion is elastically deformable. The detector detects deformation of the ring-shaped portion. The main portion is secured to the ring-shaped portion. The main portion includes an attachment portion, a terminal and a transmitter. A game controller can be attached to the attachment portion. The terminal is for electrical connection with the game controller. The transmitter transmits data regarding a detection result of the detector to the game controller through the terminal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/919,155, filed Jul. 2, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/656,968, filed Oct. 18, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No.10,751,613, which claimed the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2019-114489 filed on Jun. 20, 2019 each of which is incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present technology relates to an apparatus to which a gamecontroller can be attached, and a system, a game system or an apparatusset including such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

There are conventional apparatuses (e.g., attachments) to which gamecontrollers can be attached.

Conventional attachments only allow for the same types of operations(e.g., the operation of pressing a button) as those performed using gamecontrollers themselves, and do not allow the user to perform operationsusing new operation methods.

Thus, the present application discloses an apparatus that allows fornovel operations using a game controller, and a system, a game system oran apparatus set including such an apparatus.

(1)

An example of an apparatus described herein includes a ring-shapedportion, a detector and a main portion. At least a part of thering-shaped portion is elastically deformable. The detector isconfigured to detect deformation of the ring-shaped portion. The mainportion is secured to the ring-shaped portion. The main portion includesan attachment portion, a terminal and a transmitter. A game controlleris attachable to the attachment portion. The terminal is for electricalconnection with the game controller. The transmitter is configured totransmit data regarding a detection result of the detector to the gamecontroller through the terminal.

With configuration (1) above, the deformation of the ring-shaped portionby the operation of the user is transmitted to the game controllerattached to the apparatus as data regarding a detection result from thedetector. Therefore, the user can perform a novel operation of deformingthe apparatus using the apparatus and the game controller attachedthereto.

(2)

The attachment portion may be on one side of the main portion that iscloser to a central axis of a ring formed by the ring-shaped portion.

With configuration (2) above, since the game controller attached to theapparatus is located on the main portion on the side of the central axisof the ring, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the gamecontroller contacts other objects.

(3)

The attachment portion may face radially inwards towards the centralaxis of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion.

(4)

The attachment portion may be on a surface of the main portion thatfaces a center of a ring formed by the ring-shaped portion so that thegame controller is attachable facing an inner side of the ring-shapedportion.

With configuration (4) above, since the game controller is attached tothe main portion facing the inner side of the ring-shaped portion, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the game controller contactsother objects.

(5)

At least a portion of the attachment portion may be located on an innerside relative to an outer edge of a ring formed by the ring-shapedportion as the ring is viewed from a front side.

With configuration (5) above, since at least a portion of the gamecontroller attached to the apparatus is located on the inner side of thering-shaped portion as the ring is viewed from a front side, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the game controller contactsother objects.

(6)

The main portion may further include a protruding portion protruding ina direction parallel to the central axis of the ring relative to thering-shaped portion. The attachment portion may be on the protrudingportion.

With configuration (6) above, the ring-shaped portion, when deformed, isless likely to contact the attachment portion, and it is possible toreduce the possibility that the ring-shaped portion contacts theattachment portion, thereby detaching the game controller from theapparatus.

(7)

The ring-shaped portion may include a plate-shaped elastic member. Theelastic member may form a part of the ring so that a longitudinaldirection of the elastic member is a circumferential direction of thering-shaped portion.

(8)

The main portion may include a protruding portion protruding relative tothe ring-shaped portion in a width direction of the elastic member thatforms the ring. The attachment portion may be on the protruding portion.

With configuration (8) above, as with configuration (6) above, thering-shaped portion, when deformed, is less likely to contact theattachment portion.

(9)

The attachment portion may include a rail portion into which the gamecontroller is slidably insertable from a side of one end of the railportion to a side of the other end of the rail portion. The terminal maybe on the side of the other end of the rail portion.

With configuration (9) above, when the game controller is attached tothe rail portion, it is possible to reduce the frequency the terminalcontacts the game controller.

(10)

The ring-shaped portion may include two grip portions that are directlyor indirectly held by a user. A direction in which the rail portionextends may be substantially parallel to a direction from one of the twogrip portions to the other one of the two grip portions.

With configuration (10) above, when the apparatus is held so that thetwo grip portions are arranged horizontal with each other, the user canattach the game controller to the apparatus by horizontally sliding thegame controller. That is, it is easier for the user to perform theoperation of attaching the game controller to the apparatus whileholding the apparatus.

(11)

The attachment portion may include a rail portion into which the gamecontroller is slidably insertable from a side of one end of the railportion to a side of the other end of the rail portion, and a directionin which the rail portion extends is perpendicular to the widthdirection.

With configuration (11) above, the rail portion can be arranged in acompact arrangement.

(12)

The main portion may include a protruding portion protruding on one sideor the other side in a front view direction relative to the ring-shapedportion as a ring formed by the ring-shaped portion is viewed from afront side. The attachment portion may be on the protruding portion.

With configuration (12) above, the ring-shaped portion, when deformed,is less likely to contact the attachment portion, and it is possible toreduce the possibility that the ring-shaped portion contacts theattachment portion, thereby detaching the game controller from theapparatus.

(13)

The attachment portion may be configured so that a direction to which adirection input device on the game controller faces when the gamecontroller is attached to the main portion is a direction in which theprotruding portion where the attachment portion is provided protrudesrelative to the ring-shaped portion.

With configuration (13) above, the direction input device of the gamecontroller attached to the apparatus is oriented so that it is easy forthe user to operate the direction input device.

(14)

When the game controller is attached to the attachment portion, theattachment portion may be configured to position a direction inputdevice on the game controller so as to extend parallel to the centralaxis of the ring.

(15)

The main portion may include a housing with a hole formed therein and isformed so that the housing covers a portion of the ring-shaped portionwith the ring-shaped portion passing through the hole. The attachmentportion may be on one side or the other side in a front view directionrelative to the hole of the housing as a ring formed by the ring-shapedportion is viewed from a front side.

With configuration (15) above, as with configuration (6) above, thering-shaped portion, when deformed, is less likely to contact theattachment portion.

(16)

As a ring formed by the ring-shaped portion is viewed from a front side,the attachment portion may be outside an area through which thering-shaped portion passes when the ring-shaped portion deforms so as toelongate in a first direction that connects together a center of theattachment portion and a center of the ring and shrink in a seconddirection that is perpendicular to the first direction.

With configuration (16) above, as with configuration (6) above, thering-shaped portion, when deformed, is less likely to contact theattachment portion.

(17)

The attachment portion may include a rail portion into which the gamecontroller is slidably insertable from a side of one end of the railportion to a side of the other end of the rail portion. The main portionmay include a housing with a hole formed therein and is formed so thatthe housing covers a portion of the ring-shaped portion with thering-shaped portion passing through the hole, and the housing includesthe protruding portion on which the rail portion is provided and anon-protruding portion that covers only a portion of the ring-shapedportion. A length of the protruding portion may be shorter than a lengthof the non-protruding portion for a direction in which the rail portionextends.

With configuration (17) above, as the protruding portion of the housingis made shorter than the non-protruding portion thereof, the housing canbe made compact.

(18)

Where an up direction is defined as a direction in which a shaft portionof a joy stick on the game controller is tiltable to give an upwardinstruction to the joy stick of the game controller when attached to theapparatus, the attachment portion may be at a position on thering-shaped portion that is on a side of the up direction relative to acenter of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion.

With configuration (18) above, when the user uses the extensionapparatus while holding the grip portions, the game controller isarranged on the upper side of the extension apparatus. Therefore, evenif the user inadvertently drops the extension apparatus during use, theshock is less transmitted to the game controller, and it is possible toreduce the possibility that the game controller comes off the extensionapparatus.

(19)

The detector may include a strain gauge.

With configuration (19) above, it is possible to identify thedeformation of the ring-shaped portion based on the strain detected bythe strain gauge.

(20)

The ring-shaped portion may include an elastic member and a baseportion. The elastic member is at least a part of which is elasticallydeformable, wherein the elastic member has a first end portion and asecond end portion. The base portion holds the first end portion and thesecond end portion of the elastic member so that a ring is formed by thebase portion and the elastic member. The strain gauge may be on the baseportion and configured to detect a strain generated on the base portiondue to deformation of the elastic member.

With configuration (20) above, it is possible to reduce the possibilityof damaging the strain gauge due to deformation of the ring-shapedportion.

(21)

The base portion may be made of a material that has a higher rigiditythan that of an elastically deformable portion of the elastic member.

With configuration (21) above, it is possible to further reduce thepossibility of damaging the strain gauge.

(22)

The elastic member may have a linear shape while no stress is appliedthereto. The base portion may hold the elastic member while a stress isapplied thereto.

With configuration (22) above, since the elastic member when under nostress has a simple shape, it is possible to make the production easier.

(23)

The main portion may include a housing secured to the ring-shapedportion and cover only a portion of the ring-shaped portion. The straingauge may be in the housing.

With configuration (23) above, it is possible to protect the straingauge with the housing of the main portion.

(24)

The detector may be configured to operate by using power supplied fromthe game controller attached to the apparatus through the terminal.

With configuration (24) above, the detector can operate even when theapparatus itself does not have a power supply.

(25)

The transmitter may be configured to operate by using power suppliedfrom the game controller attached to the apparatus through the terminal.

With configuration (25) above, the transmitter can operate even when theapparatus itself does not have a power supply.

(26)

The apparatus may further include a marking configured to be located soas to be next to an operation device of the game controller whenattached to the apparatus.

With configuration (26) above, since the position of the game controllerwhen properly attached to the apparatus can be indicated by the marking,it is easier for the user to perform the operation of attaching the gamecontroller to the apparatus.

(27)

The main portion may include a lightguide portion configured to guidelight from a light-emitter of the game controller attached to theapparatus and received by a light-receiving port on a surface of therail portion, to a light-exiting port on another surface of the mainportion that is different from the surface of the rail portion.

With configuration (27) above, based on the light from the light-exitingport, the user can check whether the light-emitting section of the gamecontroller is lit, even when the game controller is supported on theextension apparatus.

(28)

Another example of an apparatus described herein includes a firstholder, a second holder, a deformable portion, a detector and a mainportion. The first holder is held by one hand of a user. The secondholder is held by the other hand of the user. The deformable portion isdeformed by a force applied to the first holder and the second holder.The detector is configured to detect deformation of the deformableportion. The main portion is between the first holder and the secondholder. The main portion includes an attachment portion, a terminal anda transmitter. A game controller is attachable to the attachmentportion. The terminal is for electrical connection with the gamecontroller. The transmitter is configured to transmit data regarding adetection result of the detector to the game controller through theterminal. The main portion includes a protruding portion protruding onone side or the other side in a front view direction relative to thefirst holder and the second holder as the apparatus is viewed from afront side. The attachment portion is on the protruding portion.

With configuration (28) above, the deformation of the ring-shapedportion by the operation of the user is transmitted to the gamecontroller attached to the apparatus as data regarding a detectionresults from the detector. Therefore, the user can perform a noveloperation of deforming the apparatus using the apparatus and the gamecontroller attached thereto.

(29)

The main portion may include a housing with holes formed therein and isformed so that the housing covers at least portions of the first holderand the second holder with the first holder and the second holderpassing through the holes. The attachment portion may be on one side orthe other side in a front view direction relative to the holes as theapparatus is viewed from a front side.

With configuration (29) above, the deformable portion, when deformed, isless likely to contact the attachment portion, and it is possible toreduce the possibility that the deformable portion contacts theattachment portion, thereby detaching the game controller from theapparatus.

(30)

Another example of an apparatus described herein comprises:

a ring-shaped portion at least a part of which is elasticallydeformable;

a detector configured to detect deformation of the ring-shaped portion;and

a main portion secured to the ring-shaped portion,

wherein the main portion comprises:

-   -   an electro-mechanical attachment portion to which a game        controller is repeatedly attachable and detachable;    -   a terminal for electrical connection with the game controller;        and    -   a transmitter configured to transmit data regarding a detection        result of the detector to the game controller through the        terminal,

wherein the main portion further includes a protruding portionprotruding in a direction parallel to the central axis of a ring of thering-shaped portion relative to the ring-shaped portion, and

wherein the attachment portion is on the protruding portion.

(31)

Another example of an apparatus described herein comprises:

a deformable portion at least a part of which is elastically deformablewithin a flexing plane;

a detector configured to detect deformation of the deformable portion;and

a main portion secured to the deformable portion,

wherein the main portion comprises:

-   -   an electro-mechanical attachment portion to which a game        controller is repeatedly attachable and detachable;    -   a terminal for electrical connection with the game controller;        and    -   a transmitter configured to transmit data regarding a detection        result of the detector to the game controller through the        terminal,

wherein the attachment portion is offset from the flexing plane of thedeformable portion.

(32)

The attachment portion may at least partly form an attachment plane inwhich the attachment portion is attachable to the game controller, andthe attachment plane and the flexing plane may be offset from oneanother.

(33)

The main body may have a substrate supporting circuitry connected to theterminal and the detector.

(34)

The substrate may be in the protruding portion.

(35)

The substrate may include a signal converter, and/or a power converter.

(36)

The substrate may further support a processor, and the processorincludes the transmitter.

The present specification discloses a system including an apparatus setforth in any of configurations (1) to (36) and a game controller, anddiscloses a game system including an apparatus set forth in any ofconfigurations (1) to (36), a game controller and a main body or maingame-playing apparatus. The main body apparatus includes a displaysection, and a main body apparatus-side attachment portion to which thegame controller is attachable.

An example of an apparatus set described herein is an apparatus set ofextension apparatuses to which a first game controller and a second gamecontroller are attachable, the first game controller and the second gamecontroller being attachable to a main body apparatus. The apparatus setincludes a first extension apparatus to which the first game controlleris attachable, and a second extension apparatus to which the second gamecontroller is attachable. The first extension apparatus is an apparatusset forth in any of configurations (1) to (36). The second extensionapparatus includes an attachment portion to which the second gamecontroller is attachable, and a belt for fastening the second extensionapparatus to a body of a user.

(37)

Another example of a method is for making a game extension apparatus fora gaming system, the game extension apparatus having deformable portion,a force detector and a main portion. The method comprises:

attaching the deformable portion and the force detector to the mainportion;

forming the main portion with an electro-mechanical attachment portionto which a game controller is repeatedly attachable and detachable; and

positioning the attachment portion so as to avoid interference betweenthe game controller and the deformable portion when (1) the deformableportion is deformed by a user and (2) the attachment portion and thegame controller are connected and disconnected.

(38)

The deformable portion and the main portion may form a ring.

(39)

The attachment portion may form a linear receiving portion configured toreceive the game controller within an attachment plane, and the mainportion may include a curved passage to house the deformable portion ina flexing plane of the ring, the attachment plane and the flexing planebeing parallel to but offset from one another.

(40)

Another example of a game processing method is for use with a gameextension apparatus for a gaming system, the game extension apparatushaving a deformable portion and a main portion with an attachmentportion. The method comprises:

sensing deformation of the deformable portion via manipulation by auser, after a game controller has been electrically and mechanicallyattached to the attachment portion in a repeatedly attachable anddetachable fashion;

generating a detection result based on sensed deformation of thedeformable portion; and transmitting data regarding the detection resultto the game controller through a terminal provided on the main portion.

With the apparatus, the system, the game system, the apparatus setdescribed above, the method, and the game processing method, it ispossible to allow the user to perform a novel operation of deforming theapparatus.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of non-limiting apparatusesincluded in a game system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a state where a non-limitingleft controller and a non-limiting right controller are attached to anon-limiting main body apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where a non-limiting left controllerand a non-limiting right controller are detached from a non-limitingmain body apparatus;

FIG. 4 is six orthogonal views showing an example of a non-limiting mainbody apparatus;

FIG. 5 is six orthogonal views showing an example of a non-limiting leftcontroller;

FIG. 6 is six orthogonal views showing an example of a non-limitingright controller;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an internalconfiguration of a non-limiting main body apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an internalconfiguration of a non-limiting main body apparatus, a non-limiting leftcontroller and a non-limiting right controller;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a non-limitingring-shaped extension apparatus;

FIG. 10 is six orthogonal views showing an example of a non-limitingring-shaped extension apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a main portion ofa ring-shaped extension apparatus shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a state where a rightcontroller is attached to a non-limiting ring-shaped extensionapparatus;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the main portion shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main portion shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of how a user uses anon-limiting extension apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a non-limiting left gripcover;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where a non-limiting left gripcover is put on another portion of a ring-shaped portion;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a portion of a non-limiting ring-shapedportion;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a portion of a non-limiting ring-shapedportion;

FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the ring-shapedportion shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship betweendeformation of an elastic member and a force that is applied by thedeformation to a base portion;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a base portion according to afirst variation of the present embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a base portion according to afirst variation of the present embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a base portion according to asecond variation of the present embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of a ring-shapedportion and a main portion of a non-limiting ring-shaped extensionapparatus;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationshipbetween components of a non-limiting ring-shaped extension apparatus;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a non-limiting belt-shapedextension apparatus;

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a non-limiting belt-shapedextension apparatus fastened around a leg of a user;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed duringa game process performed on a non-limiting main body apparatus; and

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a non-limiting extensionapparatus according to a variation of the present embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS [1.Configuration of Game System]

A game system according to an example of the present embodiment will nowbe described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of apparatusesincluded in the game system. As shown in FIG. 1, a game system 1includes a main body or game-playing apparatus 2, a left controller 3, aright controller 4, a ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, and abelt-shaped extension apparatus 6.

The main body apparatus 2 is an example of an information processingapparatus, and functions as a game device main body in the presentembodiment. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 areattachable to and detachable from the main body apparatus 2 (see FIG. 1and FIG. 3). That is, the user can attach the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2, and use them as aunified apparatus (see FIG. 2). The user can also use the main bodyapparatus 2 and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4separately from each other (see FIG. 3). Note that the main bodyapparatus 2 and the controllers 3 and 4 may hereinafter be referred tocollectively as a “game apparatus”.

The ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is an example of an extensionapparatus that is used with the right controller 4. The ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 is used with the right controller 4 attachedthereto. The belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 is an example of anextension apparatus that is used with the left controller 3. Thebelt-shaped extension apparatus 6 is used with the left controller 3attached thereto. Thus, in the present embodiment, the user can use thecontrollers 3 and 4 while they are attached to the respective extensionapparatuses (see FIG. 15). Note that the ring-shaped extension apparatus5 is not limited for use with the right controller 4, but the leftcontroller 3 may be attachable thereto. The belt-shaped extensionapparatus 6 is not limited for use with the left controller 3, but theright controller 4 may be attachable thereto.

[1-1. Configuration of Game Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the state where the leftcontroller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main bodyapparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the left controller 3 and theright controller 4 is attached to and unified with the main bodyapparatus 2. The main body apparatus 2 is an apparatus for performingvarious processes (e.g., game processing) in the game system 1. The mainbody apparatus 2 includes a display 12. Each of the left controller 3and the right controller 4 is an apparatus including operation sectionswith which a user provides inputs.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the state where each of theleft controller 3 and the right controller 4 is detached from the mainbody apparatus 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left controller 3 andthe right controller 4 are attachable to and detachable from the mainbody apparatus 2. It should be noted that hereinafter, the leftcontroller 3 and the right controller 4 will occasionally be referred tocollectively as a “controller”.

FIG. 4 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the main bodyapparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body apparatus 2 includes anapproximately plate-shaped housing 11. In the exemplary embodiment, amain surface (in other words, a surface on a front side, i.e., a surfaceon which the display 12 is provided) of the housing 11 has a generallyrectangular shape.

It should be noted that the shape and the size of the housing 11 areoptional. As an example, the housing 11 may be of a portable size.Further, the main body apparatus 2 alone or the unified apparatusobtained by attaching the left controller 3 and the right controller 4to the main body apparatus 2 may function as a mobile apparatus. Themain body apparatus 2 or the unified apparatus may function as ahandheld apparatus or a portable apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body apparatus 2 includes the display 12,which is provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12displays an image generated by the main body apparatus 2. In theexemplary embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display device(LCD). The display 12, however, may be a display device of any type.

The main body apparatus 2 includes rail portions as an example of slideportions for allowing controllers to be attached to and detached fromthe main body apparatus 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the mainbody apparatus 2 includes a left rail portion 15 on the left sidesurface of the housing 11, and a right rail portion 19 on the right sidesurface of the housing 11. Each of the rail portions 15 and 19 canslidably engage with a slider of the controller (a slider 40 or 62 shownin FIG. 5).

The main body apparatus 2 includes a left-side terminal 17 that enableswired communication between the main body apparatus 2 and the leftcontroller 3, and a right-side terminal 21 that enables wiredcommunication between the main body apparatus 2 and the right controller4. The left-side terminal 17 is provided on the left rail portion 15(more specifically, in the vicinity of the lower end of the left railportion 15). The right-side terminal 21 is provided on the right railportion 19 (more specifically, in the vicinity of the lower end of theright rail portion 19).

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body apparatus 2 includes a slot 23. Theslot 23 is provided on an upper side surface of the housing 11. The slot23 is so shaped as to allow a predetermined type of storage medium to beattached to the slot 23. The predetermined type of storage medium is,for example, a dedicated storage medium (e.g., a dedicated memory card)for the game system 1 and an information processing apparatus of thesame type as the game system 1. The predetermined type of storage mediumis used to store, for example, data (e.g., saved data of an applicationor the like) used by the main body apparatus 2 and/or a program (e.g., aprogram for an application or the like) executed by the main bodyapparatus 2. Further, the main body apparatus 2 includes a power button28.

FIG. 5 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the left controller3. As shown in FIG. 5, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the housing 31 has a vertically long shape,e.g., is shaped to be long in an up-down direction (i.e., a y-axisdirection shown in FIGS. 2 and 5). In the state where the leftcontroller 3 is detached from the main body apparatus 2, the leftcontroller 3 can also be held in the orientation in which the leftcontroller 3 is vertically long. The housing 31 has such a shape and asize that when held in the orientation in which the housing 31 isvertically long, the housing 31 can be held with one hand, particularlythe left hand. Further, the left controller 3 can also be held in theorientation in which the left controller 3 is horizontally long. Whenheld in the orientation in which the left controller 3 is horizontallylong, the left controller 3 may be held with both hands.

The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32 (or a joystick). Asshown in FIG. 5, the analog stick 32 is provided on a main surface ofthe housing 31. The analog stick 32 can be used as a direction inputsection with which a direction can be input. The user tilts a shaftportion of the analog stick 32 and thereby can input a directioncorresponding to the direction of the tilt (and input a magnitudecorresponding to the angle of the tilt). It should be noted that theleft controller 3 may include a directional pad, a slide stick thatallows a slide input, or the like as the direction input section,instead of the analog stick. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, it ispossible to provide an input by pressing the analog stick 32.

The left controller 3 includes various operation buttons. The leftcontroller 3 includes four operation buttons 33 to 36 (specifically, aright direction button 33, a down direction button 34, an up directionbutton 35, and a left direction button 36) on the main surface of thehousing 31. Further, the left controller 3 includes a record button 37and a “−” (minus) button 47. The left controller 3 includes a firstL-button 38 and a ZL-button 39 in an upper left portion of a sidesurface of the housing 31. Further, the left controller 3 includes asecond L-button 43 and a second R-button 44, on the side surface of thehousing 31 on which the left controller 3 is attached to the main bodyapparatus 2. These operation buttons are used to give instructionsdepending on various programs (e.g., an OS program and an applicationprogram) executed by the main body apparatus 2.

The left controller 3 includes the slider 40 as an example of a slideportion that is used for attaching the left controller 3 to anotherapparatus (e.g., the main body apparatus 2). As shown in FIG. 5, theslider 40 is provided on the right side surface of the housing 31. Theslider 40 can slidably engage with the left rail portion 15 of the mainbody apparatus 2.

The left controller 3 includes a terminal 42 that enables wiredcommunication between the left controller 3 and the main body apparatus2. The terminal 42 is provided on the slider 40, more specifically, inthe vicinity of the lower end of the slider 40 (see FIG. 5). Theterminal 42 is provided on a surface of the slider 40 that opposes thehousing 31.

FIG. 6 is six orthogonal views showing an example of the rightcontroller 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the right controller 4 includes ahousing 51. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 51 has a verticallylong shape, e.g., is shaped to be long in the up-down direction. In thestate where the right controller 4 is detached from the main bodyapparatus 2, the right controller 4 can also be held in the orientationin which the right controller 4 is vertically long. The housing 51 hassuch a shape and a size that when held in the orientation in which thehousing 51 is vertically long, the housing 51 can be held with one hand,particularly the right hand. Further, the right controller 4 can also beheld in the orientation in which the right controller 4 is horizontallylong. When held in the orientation in which the right controller 4 ishorizontally long, the right controller 4 may be held with both hands.

Similarly to the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes ananalog stick 52 as a direction input section. In the exemplaryembodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as that ofthe analog stick 32 of the left controller 3. Further, the rightcontroller 4 may include a directional pad, a slide stick that allows aslide input, or the like, instead of the analog stick. Further,similarly to the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes fouroperation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, an A-button 53, a B-button 54,an X-button 55, and a Y-button 56) on a main surface of the housing 51.Further, the right controller 4 includes a “+” (plus) button 57 and ahome button 58. Further, the right controller 4 includes a firstR-button 60 and a ZR-button 61 in an upper right portion of a sidesurface of the housing 51. Further, similarly to the left controller 3,the right controller 4 includes a second L-button 65 and a secondR-button 66.

The right controller 4 includes the slider 62 as an example of a slideportion that is used for attaching the right controller 4 to anotherapparatus (e.g., the main body apparatus 2 or the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5). As shown in FIG. 6, the slider 62 is provided on the leftside surface of the housing 51. The slider 62 is slidably engageablewith the left rail portion 15 of the main body apparatus 2, and isslidably engageable with the rail portion of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the right controller 4 includes indicator LEDs 67.The indicator LEDs 67 are an indicator section for notifying the user ofpredetermined information. The indicator LEDs 67 are provided on theslider 62, specifically, on the engaging surface of the slider 62 (e.g.,the surface that faces the x-axis positive direction side shown in FIG.6). Note that the engaging surface of the slider 62 refers to a surfacethat opposes the bottom surface of the right rail portion 19 when theright controller 4 is attached to the main body apparatus 2. In thepresent embodiment, the right controller 4 includes four LEDs as theindicator LEDs 67. For example, the predetermined information includes anumber that is assigned by the main body apparatus 2 to the rightcontroller 4, and information relating to the remaining battery level ofthe right controller 4. Note that as does the right controller 4, theleft controller 3 also includes four indicator LEDs 45 (see FIG. 5).

The right controller 4 includes a terminal 64 that enables wiredcommunication between the right controller 4 and the main body apparatus2. The terminal 64 is provided on the slider 62, more specifically, inthe vicinity of the lower end of the slider 62 (see FIG. 6). In thepresent embodiment, the terminal 64 is provided on a surface of theslider 62 that opposes the housing 51 (more specifically, the left sidesurface of the housing 51).

When attaching a controller to the main body apparatus 2, the user firstinserts the slider of the controller into the rail portion of the mainbody apparatus 2, thereby engaging the slider and the rail portion witheach other. Then, the user slides the slider to the farthest end of therail portion, thus attaching the controller to the main body apparatus2.

Further, a window portion 68 is provided on a lower side surface of thehousing 51. Although the details will be described later, the rightcontroller 4 includes an infrared image capturing section 123 and aninfrared light-emitting section 124, which are placed within the housing51. The infrared image capturing section 123 captures a portion aroundthe right controller 4 through the window portion 68 such that a downdirection of the right controller 4 (a negative y-axis direction shownin FIG. 6) is the image capturing direction. The infrared light-emittingsection 124 emits infrared light through the window portion 68 to animage capturing target to be captured by the infrared image capturingsection 123 such that a predetermined range about the down direction ofthe right controller 4 (the negative y-axis direction shown in FIG. 6)is the emission range. The window portion 68 is used to protect a lensof a camera of the infrared image capturing section 123, a light emitterof the infrared light-emitting section 124, and the like and composed ofa material (e.g., a transparent material) that transmits light of awavelength sensed by the camera and light emitted from the lightemitter. It should be noted that the window portion 68 may be a holeformed in the housing 51. It should be noted that in the exemplaryembodiment, the infrared image capturing section 123 itself includes afilter member for inhibiting the transmission of light of a wavelengthother than light sensed by the camera (infrared light in the exemplaryembodiment). In another exemplary embodiment, the window portion 68 mayhave the function of a filter.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an internalconfiguration of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the main bodyapparatus 2 includes a processor 70, a slot interface (I/F) 73, a slot23, a flash memory 75, and a DRAM 76. The processor 70 includes a CPU(Central Processing Unit) 71 and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 72.The CPU 71 is capable of executing a game program, and the CPU 71processes operation data from the controllers, performs game processesbased on the operation data, and sends the GPU 72 an instruction togenerate an image. The GPU 72 is a processor for performing imageprocesses. Note that the CPU 71 and the GPU 72 may be implemented onseparate chips, or may be implemented on a single chip as a SoC(System-on-a-chip).

The slot I/F 73, the flash memory 75, the DRAM 76 and the display 12 areconnected to the processor 70. The left controller 3 is connected to theprocessor 70 via a left interface (I/F) having the left-side terminal 17described above, and the right controller 4 is connected to theprocessor 70 via a right interface (I/F) having the right-side terminal21 described above. The predetermined type of a storage medium isremovably inserted into the slot 23. Note that a program and/or data tobe stored in the storage medium may be stored in advance in the flashmemory 75 or may be downloaded from a network (e.g., the Internet) to bestored in the flash memory 75.

The program (e.g., a game program) and/or data stored in the storagemedium (or the flash memory 75) is loaded onto the DRAM 76 before thestart of the game process. The CPU 71 executes the program to performthe game process. The CPU 71 sends a command for displaying an image onthe display 12 to the GPU 72, and the GPU 72 renders an image inaccordance with the command and displays the image on the display 12.Note that the main body apparatus 2 may be connected to an externaldisplay device different from the display 12 so as to display the imagegenerated by the GPU 72 on the external display device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing examples of the internalconfigurations of the main body apparatus 2, the left controller 3, andthe right controller 4. It should be noted that the details of theinternal configuration of the main body apparatus 2 are shown in FIG. 7and therefore are omitted in FIG. 8.

The left controller 3 includes a communication control section 101,which communicates with the main body apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 8, acommunication control section 101 is connected to components includingthe terminal 42. In the exemplary embodiment, the communication controlsection 101 can communicate with the main body apparatus 2 through bothwired communication via the terminal 42 and wireless communication notvia the terminal 42. The communication control section 101 controls themethod for communication performed by the left controller 3 with themain body apparatus 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attachedto the main body apparatus 2, the communication control section 101communicates with the main body apparatus 2 via the terminal 42.Further, when the left controller 3 is detached from the main bodyapparatus 2, the communication control section 101 wirelesslycommunicates with the main body apparatus 2 (specifically, thecontroller communication section 83). The wireless communication betweenthe communication control section 101 and the controller communicationsection 83 is performed in accordance with the Bluetooth (registeredtrademark) standard, for example.

Further, the left controller 3 includes a memory 102 such as a flashmemory. The communication control section 101 includes, for example, amicrocomputer (or a microprocessor) and executes firmware stored in thememory 102, thereby performing various processes.

The left controller 3 includes buttons 103 (specifically, the buttons 33to 39, 43, 44, and 47). Further, the left controller 3 includes theanalog stick (“stick” in FIG. 8) 32. Each of the buttons 103 and theanalog stick 32 outputs information regarding an operation performed onitself to the communication control section 101 repeatedly atappropriate timing.

The left controller 3 includes inertial sensors. Specifically, the leftcontroller 3 includes an acceleration sensor 104. Further, the leftcontroller 3 includes an angular velocity sensor 105. In the exemplaryembodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitudes ofaccelerations along predetermined three axial (e.g., xyz axes shown inFIG. 5) directions. It should be noted that the acceleration sensor 104may detect an acceleration along one axial direction or accelerationsalong two axial directions. In the exemplary embodiment, an angularvelocity sensor 105 detects angular velocities about predetermined threeaxes (e.g., the xyz axes shown in FIG. 5). It should be noted that theangular velocity sensor 105 may detect an angular velocity about oneaxis or angular velocities about two axes. Each of the accelerationsensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 is connected to thecommunication control section 101. Then, the detection results of theacceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are outputto the communication control section 101 repeatedly at appropriatetiming.

The communication control section 101 acquires information regarding aninput (specifically, information regarding an operation or the detectionresult of the sensor) from each of input sections (specifically, thebuttons 103, the analog stick 32, and the sensors 104 and 105). Thecommunication control section 101 transmits operation data including theacquired information (or information obtained by performingpredetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main bodyapparatus 2. It should be noted that the operation data is transmittedrepeatedly, once every predetermined time. It should be noted that theinterval at which the information regarding an input is transmitted fromeach of the input sections to the main body apparatus 2 may or may notbe the same.

The above operation data is transmitted to the main body apparatus 2,whereby the main body apparatus 2 can obtain inputs provided to the leftcontroller 3. That is, the main body apparatus 2 can determineoperations on the buttons 103 and the analog stick 32 based on theoperation data. Further, the main body apparatus 2 can calculateinformation regarding the motion and/or the orientation of the leftcontroller 3 based on the operation data (specifically, the detectionresults of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor105).

The left controller 3 includes a vibrator 107 for giving notification tothe user by a vibration. In the exemplary embodiment, the vibrator 107is controlled by a command from the main body apparatus 2. That is, ifreceiving the above command from the main body apparatus 2, thecommunication control section 101 drives the vibrator 107 in accordancewith the received command. Here, the left controller 3 includes a codecsection 106. If receiving the above command, the communication controlsection 101 outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to thecodec section 106. The codec section 106 generates a driving signal fordriving the vibrator 107 from the control signal from the communicationcontrol section 101 and outputs the driving signal to the vibrator 107.Consequently, the vibrator 107 operates.

More specifically, the vibrator 107 is a linear vibration motor. Unlikea regular motor that rotationally moves, the linear vibration motor isdriven in a predetermined direction in accordance with an input voltageand therefore can be vibrated at an amplitude and a frequencycorresponding to the waveform of the input voltage. In the exemplaryembodiment, a vibration control signal transmitted from the main bodyapparatus 2 to the left controller 3 may be a digital signalrepresenting the frequency and the amplitude every unit of time. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the main body apparatus 2 may transmitinformation indicating the waveform itself. The transmission of only theamplitude and the frequency, however, enables a reduction in the amountof communication data. Additionally, to further reduce the amount ofdata, only the differences between the numerical values of the amplitudeand the frequency at that time and the previous values may betransmitted, instead of the numerical values. In this case, the codecsection 106 converts a digital signal indicating the values of theamplitude and the frequency acquired from the communication controlsection 101 into the waveform of an analog voltage and inputs a voltagein accordance with the resulting waveform, thereby driving the vibrator107. Thus, the main body apparatus 2 changes the amplitude and thefrequency to be transmitted every unit of time and thereby can controlthe amplitude and the frequency at which the vibrator 107 is to bevibrated at that time. It should be noted that not only a singleamplitude and a single frequency, but also two or more amplitudes andtwo or more frequencies may be transmitted from the main body apparatus2 to the left controller 3. In this case, the codec section 106 combineswaveforms indicated by the plurality of received amplitudes andfrequencies and thereby can generate the waveform of a voltage forcontrolling the vibrator 107.

The indicator LEDs 45 described above are connected to the communicationcontrol section 101. In the present embodiment, the indicator LEDs 45are controlled by a command from the main body apparatus 2. That is,upon receiving such a command from the main body apparatus 2, thecommunication control section 101 outputs, to the indicator LEDs 45, acontrol signal for controlling ON/OFF of the indicator LEDs 45 inaccordance with the command.

The left controller 3 includes a power supply section 108. In theexemplary embodiment, the power supply section 108 includes a batteryand a power control circuit. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the powercontrol circuit is connected to the battery and also connected tocomponents of the left controller 3 (specifically, components thatreceive power supplied from the battery).

As shown in FIG. 8, the right controller 4 includes a communicationcontrol section 111, which communicates with the main body apparatus 2.Further, the right controller 4 includes a memory 112, which isconnected to the communication control section 111. The communicationcontrol section 111 is connected to components including the terminal64. The communication control section 111 and the memory 112 havefunctions similar to those of the communication control section 101 andthe memory 102, respectively, of the left controller 3. Thus, acommunication control section 111 can communicate with the main bodyapparatus 2 through both wired communication via the terminal 64 andwireless communication not via the terminal 64 (specifically,communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark)standard). The communication control section 111 controls the method forcommunication performed by the right controller 4 with the main bodyapparatus 2.

The right controller 4 includes input sections similar to the inputsections of the left controller 3. Specifically, the right controller 4includes buttons 113, the analog stick 52, and inertial sensors (anacceleration sensor 114 and an angular velocity sensor 115). These inputsections have functions similar to those of the input sections of theleft controller 3 and operate similarly to the input sections of theleft controller 3.

Further, the right controller 4 includes a vibrator 117 and a codecsection 116. The vibrator 117 and the codec section 116 operatesimilarly to the vibrator 107 and the codec section 106, respectively,of the left controller 3. That is, in accordance with a command from themain body apparatus 2, the communication control section 111 causes thevibrator 117 to operate, using the codec section 116.

The indicator LEDs 67 of the right controller 4 operate in a similarmanner to the indicator LEDs 45 of the left controller 3. That is, uponreceiving a command from the main body apparatus 2, the communicationcontrol section 111 outputs, to the indicator LEDs 67, a control signalfor controlling ON/OFF of the indicator LED 67 in accordance with thecommand.

Further, the right controller 4 includes the infrared image capturingsection 123. The infrared image capturing section 123 includes aninfrared camera for capturing a portion around the right controller 4.As an example, the main body apparatus 2 and/or the right controller 4calculate information of a captured image (e.g., information related tothe luminance of a plurality of blocks into which at least the entiretyof a partial area of a captured image is divided or the like), and basedon the calculated information, determine a change in the portion aroundthe right controller 4. Further, the infrared image capturing section123 may capture an image using ambient light, but in the exemplaryembodiment, includes the infrared light-emitting section 124, whichemits infrared light. The infrared light-emitting section 124 emitsinfrared light, for example, in synchronization with the timing when theinfrared camera captures an image. Then, the infrared light emitted fromthe infrared light-emitting section 124 is reflected by an imagecapturing target, and the infrared camera receives the reflectedinfrared light, thereby acquiring an image of the infrared light. Thisenables the infrared image capturing section 123 to obtain a clearerinfrared light image. It should be noted that the infrared imagecapturing section 123 and the infrared light-emitting section 124 may beprovided as different devices in the right controller 4, or may beprovided as a single device in the same package in the right controller4. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the infrared image capturingsection 123 including an infrared camera is used. In another exemplaryembodiment, a visible light camera (a camera using a visible light imagesensor) may be used as image capturing means, instead of the infraredcamera.

The right controller 4 includes a processing section 121. The processingsection 121 is connected to the communication control section 111.Further, the processing section 121 is connected to the infrared imagecapturing section 123 and the infrared light-emitting section 124.

Further, the processing section 121 includes a CPU, a memory, and thelike. Based on a predetermined program (e.g., an application program forperforming image processing and various calculations) stored in astorage device (e.g., a non-volatile memory or the like) (not shown)included in the right controller 4, and in accordance with a commandfrom the main body apparatus 2, the processing section 121 performs theprocess of managing the infrared image capturing section 123. Forexample, the processing section 121 causes the infrared image capturingsection 123 to perform an image capturing operation. Further, theprocessing section 121 acquires and/or calculates information based onan image capturing result (information of a captured image, informationcalculated from this information, or the like) and transmits theinformation to the main body apparatus 2 via the communication controlsection 111. Further, in accordance with a command from the main bodyapparatus 2, the processing section 121 performs the process of managingthe infrared light-emitting section 124. For example, in accordance witha command from the main body apparatus 2, the processing section 121controls the light emission of the infrared light-emitting section 124.It should be noted that a memory used by the processing section 121 toperform processing may be provided in the processing section 121 or maybe the memory 112.

The right controller 4 includes a power supply section 118. The powersupply section 118 has a function similar to that of the power supplysection 108 of the left controller 3 and operates similarly to the powersupply section 108.

[1-2. Configuration of Ring-Shaped Extension Apparatus]

Next, a configuration of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 will bedescribed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of aring-shaped extension apparatus. FIG. 10 is six orthogonal views showingan example of a ring-shaped extension apparatus. In FIG. 10, (a) is afront view, (b) is a right side view, (c) is a left side view, (d) is atop view, (e) is a bottom view, and (f) is a back view.

In the present embodiment, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is anextension apparatus to which the right controller 4 can be attached.Although the details will be described later, the user performs a noveloperation of applying a force to, and deforming, the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 in the present embodiment (see FIG. 15). The usercan operate the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 by performing afitness exercise operation using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5as if the user were doing an exercise, for example. That is, thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 gives an extension to the conventionaloperation method and allows the user for novel operation methods. In thepresent embodiment, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is anapparatus that extends the function of the right controller 4, morespecifically, an apparatus that extends the operation function of theright controller 4. That is, by using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 to which the right controller 4 is attached, the user canperform an operation that cannot be performed only with the rightcontroller 4.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5includes a ring-shaped portion 201 and a main portion 202. Thering-shaped portion 201 has a ring shape. Note that in the presentembodiment, the ring-shaped portion 201 includes an elastic member 241and a base portion 242 (see FIG. 18) and is formed in a ring shape. Inthe present embodiment, the ring-shaped portion 201 has a circular ringshape. Note that in other embodiments, the ring-shaped portion 201 maybe of any shape, e.g., an elliptical ring shape. In the presentembodiment, the diameter of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion201 is 30 [cm]. The ring-shaped portion 201 may be sized so that theuser can hold a portion thereof one side with the left hand and anotherportion thereof on the other side with the right hand, the portionsbeing symmetrical with each other with respect to the center of thering. The size of the ring-shaped portion 201 may be determined inaccordance with the body size and the age group of users contemplated,and the diameter may be 20 to 50 [cm], for example. In the presentembodiment, the ring-shaped portion 201 is a band-shaped member having apredetermined width (e.g., 3 to 10 [cm]) that is formed in a ring shape.Herein, the generally cylindrical space inside the ring-shaped portion201 (generally, a cylindrical space whose bottom surfaces are the twocircular areas R1 and R2 shown in FIG. 9) is referred to as “the spacesurrounded by the ring-shaped portion 201”. Note that the circular areaR1 is a circular area whose circumference is defined by the edge of theelastic member 241 on the front side (i.e., the Z-axis negativedirection side shown in FIG. 9), and the circular area R2 is a circulararea whose circumference is defined by the edge of the elastic member241 on the rear side (i.e., the Z-axis positive direction side shown inFIG. 9). Although the details will be described later, as theband-shaped elastic member 241 is bent into a circular shape (strictlyspeaking, an incomplete circular shape), the ring-shaped portion 201 isformed into a ring shape that includes the elastic member 241 and thebase portion 242. As the elastic member 241 is bent into a circularshape, the opposing long sides of the band of the elastic member 241 areboth formed into a circular shape that defines the circular area (R1,R2) therein. That is, the circumferences of the areas R1 and R2 aredefined by the opposing long sides the band of the elastic member 241bent as described above. In the present embodiment, a first plane thatincludes the circular area R1 and a second plane that the circular areaR2 are both parallel to the XY plane, and the two areas R1 and R2 appearto coincide with each other as seen from the Z-axis direction. Thecylindrical space is a space that is defined between the first plane andthe second plane and within the circular areas R1 and R2 as seen fromthe direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the planes.At least a portion (the elastic member in the present embodiment) of thering-shaped portion 201 is elastically deformable. Note that in thepresent embodiment, a member being “elastically deformable” means thatthe member is capable of being elastically deformed by such an amountthat the deformation can be perceived by a human.

The right controller 4 can be attached to the main portion 202. Notethat a state where “the right controller 4 is attached to the mainportion 202” refers to a state where the right controller 4 is put onthe main portion 202. It can be said to be for example a state where theright controller 4 is integrally secured to the main portion 202.Alternatively, it can be said to be for example a state where the rightcontroller 4 and the main portion 202 cannot be separated from eachother without a special operation or without applying a certain amountof load thereto. Note that to “secure” means that the right controller 4and the main portion 202 do not basically move relative to each other,and there may be a slight movement therebetween.

The main portion 202 is provided on the ring-shaped portion 201. Notethat “the main portion 202 being provided on the ring-shaped portion201” means that the main portion 202 is secured to the ring-shapedportion 201.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the main portion202 of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 shown in FIG. 9. As shownin FIG. 11, the main portion 202 includes a rail portion 211. The railportion 211 is an example of an attachment portion to which the rightcontroller 4 can be attached. In the present embodiment, the railportion 211 slidably engages with the slider 62 of the right controller4. The rail portion 211 is an example of an extension apparatus-sideengagement portion that engages with a game controller-side engagementportion (specifically, the slider 62). It can be said that the railportion 211 is an example of an extension apparatus-side slide portionthat engages with a game controller-side slide portion.

The rail portion 211 is similar to the rail portion of the main bodyapparatus 2 in that it is slidably engageable with the slider of thecontroller. Therefore, the rail portion 211 may have a similarconfiguration to that of the rail portion of the main body apparatus 2.By means of the rail portion 211, the right controller 4 is attached tothe main portion 202. Note that although the details of theconfiguration of the rail portion 211 will be described later, the railportion 211 is provided so as to extend in one direction (specifically,in the left-right direction to be described below).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a state where the rightcontroller 4 is attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.Herein, in the present embodiment, the up-down direction, the left-rightdirection and the front-rear direction of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 are defined as follows. First, in the present embodiment,the direction parallel to the direction (referred to as the “front viewdirection”) in which the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 isviewed from front is the front-rear direction of the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 (i.e., the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 12). Forexample, “the direction in which the ring is viewed from front” is thedirection from which the area of the shape represented by the outer edgeof the ring appears largest. Where the ring is a circular ring, the“front view direction” can also be said to be the direction from whichthe ring appears circular.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rail portion 211 is provided on one side in thefront-rear direction relative to the ring-shaped portion 201.Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the railportion 211 is provided on the Z-axis negative direction side relativeto the ring-shaped portion 201. Note that in the present embodiment,this side is denoted as the front side (in other words, the front nearside) of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, and the opposite sidethereto is denoted as the rear side (in other words, the back side) ofthe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

The rail portion 211 of the main portion 202 is provided so as to extendin a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the front-reardirection. In the present embodiment, the direction that isperpendicular to the front-rear direction and substantially parallel tothe direction in which the rail portion 211 extends is denoted as theleft-right direction of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 (i.e., theX-axis direction shown in FIG. 12).

As used herein, “substantially (in a certain state)” means to includeboth cases where the certain state is achieved in a strict sense andcases where the certain state is generally achieved. For example, “theleft-right direction is substantially parallel to the rail portion 211”means to include both cases where the left-right direction is parallelto the rail portion 211 in a strict sense and cases where they aregenerally parallel to each other though not strictly parallel to eachother.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rail portion 211 is shaped so that one endthereof in the left-right direction is open with the other end thereofbeing closed. In the present embodiment, the side of the first end thatis open is denoted as the right side of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, and the side of the other end as the left side of thering-shaped extension apparatus 5. That is, the direction (i.e., theX-axis positive direction shown in FIG. 12) in which the rightcontroller 4 is inserted into the rail portion 211 of the main portion202, as the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is viewed from the frontside, is the left direction of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5,and the opposite direction thereto is the right direction of thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 (see FIG. 12).

Moreover, in the present embodiment, the direction that is perpendicularto the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is denoted asthe up-down direction of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 (i.e.,the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 12). The direction from the mainportion 202 toward the center of the ring-shaped portion 201, as thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 is viewed from the front side, isdenoted as the down direction of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5(i.e., the Y-axis negative direction shown in FIG. 12), and the oppositedirection thereto as the up direction of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5.

Where directions of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 are defined asdescribed above, it can be said that the main portion 202 is provided onthe upper end portion of the ring-shaped portion 201. Note that in thepresent embodiment, where directions of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 are defined as described above, the up direction is equal tothe direction (i.e., the x-axis positive direction in FIG. 6) in whichthe shaft portion of the analog stick 52 is inclined for giving an upinstruction to the analog stick 52 of the right controller 4 as attachedto the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

[1-2-1. Main Portion]

As shown in FIG. 11, the main portion 202 includes a housing 212. Thehousing 212 is secured to the ring-shaped portion 201 using screws, forexample (the details will be described later). In the presentembodiment, the housing 212 is secured to the ring-shaped portion 201 soas to cover a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 (specifically, aportion of the ring-shaped portion 201 near the upper end). As shown inFIG. 11, the housing 212 is shaped so as to protrude forward relative tothe ring-shaped portion 201. Note that in the present embodiment, thehousing 212 is shaped so as to also protrude rearward relative to thering-shaped portion 201. In the present embodiment, the amount by whichthe housing 212 protrudes forward relative to the ring-shaped portion201 is greater than the amount by which the housing 212 protrudesrearward relative to the ring-shaped portion 201.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rail portion 211 is provided on the housing212. The rail portion 211 has a groove extending in the left-rightdirection (in other words, the slide direction). As shown in FIG. 11,the groove of the rail portion 211 is open at the right end thereof(i.e., the end thereof on the X-axis negative direction side).

The groove of the rail portion 211 is shaped so that the groove isslidably engageable with the slider 62 of the right controller 4.Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the slider 62 of the rightcontroller 4 along a section perpendicular to the slide direction (i.e.,the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 6) is generally a T-letter shape. Theslider 62 has a top surface on one side that is away from the sidesurface of the right controller 4 (i.e., the surface on the x-axispositive direction side shown in FIG. 6), and has protruding portionsthat are protruding on opposite sides of the direction (i.e., the z-axisdirection shown in FIG. 6) parallel to the top surface as viewed fromthe slide direction. On the other hand, the rail portion 211 has twoopposing portions 215 that are opposing the bottom surface 214 of thegroove and are protruding inward from the side surfaces of the groove,as viewed from the direction perpendicular to the slide direction (i.e.,the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 11). The slider 62 is inserted intothe rail member 211 so that the protruding portions of the slider 62slide into between the bottom surface 214 and the opposing portions 215of the rail portion 211, thereby engaging the slider 62 and the railmember 211 with each other. Thus, as the slider 62 is inserted into therail member 211 in a predetermined straight direction (i.e., the slidedirection), the rail member 211 engages with the slider 62 so that theslider 62 is slidable against the rail member 211 in the straightdirection. The slider 62 in engagement with the rail member 211 isrestricted so as not come off the rail member 211 in a direction that isperpendicular to the slide direction (or a direction that is differentfrom the slide direction).

A stopper portion 213 for stopping the slide movement of the slider 62,which has been inserted from the right end of the rail portion 211, isprovided at the left end of the rail portion 211 (see FIG. 11). Thestopper portion 213 is a part of the opposing portion 215. The stopperportion 213 is provided at the left end of the groove of the railportion 211. Herein, across the groove excluding the left end thereof,the opposing portion 215 protrudes by a predetermined length from theside surface of the groove. At the left end portion of the groove, theopposing portion 215 protrudes by a greater length than thepredetermined length. In the present embodiment, the part of theopposing portion 215 that is protruding by a greater length than thepredetermined length is referred to as the stopper portion 213 (see FIG.11). Note that the dotted lines in FIG. 11 are drawn for ease ofunderstanding of the position of the stopper portion 213, and the dottedlines are not actually drawn on the rail portion 211. Thus, the slider62 comes into contact with the stopper portion 213 as the slider 62 isinserted from the right end of the rail portion 211 and is slid towardthe left end of the rail portion 211. Note that the lower end portion(i.e., the end portion on the y-axis negative direction side shown inFIG. 6) of the slider 62 is shaped so that the protruding portionthereof on the side that is away from the side surface of the rightcontroller 4 is protruding relative to the base portion on the side thatis close to the side surface of the right controller 4 (i.e., the sidethat is in contact with the side surface) as viewed from the direction(i.e., the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 6) that is parallel to the topsurface and perpendicular to the slide direction (see FIG. 6). When theslider 62 is slid in the insertion direction (i.e., the direction fromthe right end to the left end of the rail portion 211), the stopperportion 213 comes into contact with the base portion. Note that with thestopper portion 213 in contact with the base portion, the protrudingportion may be or may not be in contact with the wall surface on theleft side of the groove of the rail portion 211 (i.e., the far sidewhere the slider 62 is inserted from the right end of the groove). Asdescribed above, the slide movement of the slider 62 is stopped as theslider 62 comes into contact with the stopper portion 213. Note that inother embodiments, when the slider 62 is slid in the insertiondirection, the slide movement of the slider 62 may be stopped as theprotruding portion comes into contact with the wall surface on the leftside of the groove of the rail portion 211 before the stopper portion213 comes into contact with the base portion.

In the present embodiment, the right controller 4 includes a latchportion 63 (see FIG. 6). The latch portion 63 is provided so as toprotrude sideways (i.e., the z-axis positive direction shown in FIG. 6)from the slider 62. While the latch portion 63 is allowed to move intothe slider 62, the latch portion 63 is urged (e.g., by means of aspring) into the position described above in which the latch portion 63is protruding sideways. As shown in FIG. 11, the opposing portion 215 ofthe rail portion 211 is provided with a notch 219. The notch 219 isprovided at a position that opposes the latch portion 63 in a statewhere the slider 62 is inserted to the far end of the rail portion 211(specifically, a state where the slider 62 is in contact with thestopper portion 213. Note that the slider 62 does not need to bestrictly in contact with the stopper portion 213 but there may be aslight gap between the slider 62 and the stopper portion 213).Therefore, with the slider 62 inserted to the far end of the railportion 211, the latch portion 63 snaps into the notch 219. That is, thelatch portion 63 engages with the notch 219. With the latch portion 63in engagement with the notch 219, the slide movement of the slider 62 isrestricted in the direction in which the slider 62 is removed from therail portion 211 (i.e., the direction in which the slider 62 moves awayfrom the stopper portion 213). Therefore, with the latch portion 63 inengagement with the notch 219, the slider 62 does not come off the railportion 211 even if a certain force is applied. As described above, asthe latch portion 63 engages with the notch 219 while the rail portion211 is in engagement with the slider 62, the right controller 4 isattached to the main portion 202.

Note that with the latch portion 63 in engagement with the notch 219,the slide movement of the slider 62 against the rail portion 211 isrestricted by the latch portion 63 both for the insertion direction andfor the reverse direction of the insertion direction. Therefore, in thestate described above, the slide movement in the insertion direction canbe said to be restricted by the stopper portion 213 or can be said to berestricted by the latch portion 63. Note that in other embodiments, theslide movement in the insertion direction may be restricted by eitherone of the stopper portion 213 and the latch portion 63.

Note that although not shown in the figures, in the present embodiment,the upper surface (i.e., the surface on the y-axis positive directionside shown in FIG. 6) of the latch portion 63 is substantiallyperpendicular to the slide direction, whereas the lower surface of thelatch portion 63 is a sloped surface that is inclined relative to theslide direction. Note that the lower surface is sloped so that when theslider 62 is inserted into the rail portion 211 and moved in theinsertion direction, the latch portion 63 is unlikely to interfere withthe opposing portion 215, allowing for smooth slide movement. Since theupper and lower surfaces of the latch portion 63 are configured asdescribed above, the movement of the slider 62 in the reverse directionof the insertion direction is restricted with a relatively strong forcebecause the upper surface is in contact with the notch 219 of theopposing portion 215 while the latch portion 63 is in engagement withthe notch 219. On the other hand, the movement of the slider 62 in theinsertion direction is restricted with a relatively weak force becausethe sloped surface is in contact with the notch 219 of the opposingportion 215. Note however that in other embodiments, the lower surfaceof the latch portion 63 may be substantially perpendicular to the slidedirection, as is the upper surface of the latch portion 63, so as toincrease the force with which to restrict the slide movement of thelatch portion 63 in the insertion direction.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the “state where theright controller 4 is attached to the main portion 202” refers to astate where the respective engagement portions thereof (e.g., the railportion 211 and the slider 62) are in engagement with each other andwhere the slide movement is restricted. Thus, the right controller 4 isput on the main portion 202. In the present embodiment, the engagementof the latch portion 63 with the notch 219 is released as the latchportion 63 is retracted into the slider 62 (by operating a releasebutton 69 to be described below). This releases the state where theright controller 4 is attached to, i.e., put on, the main portion 202.Then, the right controller 4 is removed from the main portion 202 whenthe slider 62 is slid in the direction opposite to the insertiondirection and the engagement between the slider 62 and the rail portion211 is released.

Note that while the slide movement is restricted by the latch portion 63and the notch 219 in the present embodiment, there is no limitation onthe method for restricting the slide movement. For example, in otherembodiments, the rail portion 211 may include a portion that comes intocontact with the slider 62 so as to press the slider 62 with a forcethat includes a component perpendicular to the slide direction when theslider 62 is inserted to the far end of the rail portion 211, therebyrestricting the slide movement by means of the frictional force betweenthis portion and the slider 62.

Thus, when the right controller 4 is put on the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, the user first inserts the slider 62 of the rightcontroller 4 into the rail portion 211 from the right end of the railportion 211. Then, the user slides the inserted slider 62 toward theleft end of the rail portion 211 to the far end thereof, therebyengaging the latch portion 63 with the notch 219, achieving the statewhere the right controller 4 is attached to the main portion 202. Asdescribed above, the user can put the right controller 4 on thering-shaped extension apparatus 5.

Note that the right controller 4 includes the release button 69 that canbe pressed (see FIG. 6). In response to the release button 69 beingpressed, the latch portion 63 moves into the slider 62, achieving thestate where the latch portion 63 no longer (or substantially no longer)protrudes relative to the slider 62. Therefore, when the release button69 is pressed in the state where the right controller 4 is attached tothe main portion 202 of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the latchportion 63 is no longer (or is substantially no longer) in engagementwith the notch 219. Thus, in the state where the right controller 4 isattached to the main portion 202 of the ring-shaped extension apparatus5, the user can easily remove the right controller 4 from thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 by pressing the release button 69.

As described above, the housing 212 is provided so as to protrudeforward relative to the ring-shaped portion 201. Specifically, as shownin FIG. 11, an inner side surface 216 of the housing 212 (i.e., thesurface that faces the central axis of the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201) has a portion that protrudes more forward thanit does rearward relative to the ring-shaped portion 201. The railportion 211 is provided on this portion of the inner side surface 216.Thus, the rail portion 211 is provided on the outer side of the spacesurrounded by the ring-shaped portion 201. Note that the region “on theouter side of the space surrounded by the ring-shaped portion 201” atleast includes a region that is forward of the front end of thering-shaped portion 201 with respect to the front view direction, and aregion that is rearward of the rear end of the ring-shaped portion 201with respect to the front view direction. In the present embodiment, therail portion 211 is provided in such a region. More specifically, as thering formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 is viewed from the front sideis viewed from the front side, the rail portion 211 is on one side inthe front view direction relative to the hole of the housing 212 (i.e.,the hole through which the ring-shaped portion 201 passes). Note that itcan also be said that the rail portion 211 is provided in such anorientation that the slide direction thereof is substantiallyperpendicular to the front view direction and is provided at a positionthat is shifted off the ring-shaped portion 201 in the front viewdirection. Thus, the rail portion 211 is provided at a position that isaway from the ring-shaped portion 201 in the front view direction(specifically, on the near side relative to the ring-shaped portion 201as viewed from the front view direction).

According to the description above, the ring-shaped portion 201, whichis deformed by an operation of the user, is less likely to contact therail portion 211. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe ring-shaped portion 201 contacts the rail portion 211, therebydetaching the right controller 4 from the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. While one may consider increasing the diameter of thering-shaped portion 201 so that the ring-shaped portion 201, whendeformed, is less likely to contact the rail portion 211, the need forincreasing the size of the ring-shaped portion 201 is reduced in thepresent embodiment (because the rail portion 211 is shifted in the frontview direction relative to the ring-shaped portion 201 so that they areless likely to contact each other). When the user puts the rightcontroller 4 on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 by inserting theslider 62 of the right controller 4 into the rail portion 211, the rightcontroller 4 is unlikely to contact the ring-shaped portion 201. Thismakes it easier for the user to perform the operation of putting theright controller 4 on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

In the present embodiment, the rail portion 211 is provided outside thearea through which the ring-shaped portion 201 passes when thering-shaped portion 201 is deformed so as to elongate in the up-downdirection (i.e., the direction parallel to the straight line thatconnects together the center of the rail portion 211 and the center ofthe ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201) and shrink in theleft-right direction. Thus, it is possible to achieve the state wherethe rail portion 211 is unlikely to contact the ring-shaped portion 201.

In the present embodiment, the slide direction of the rail portion 211is perpendicular to the front view direction. Thus, the rail portion 211can be arranged in a compact arrangement so as not to protrude in thefront view direction. In the present embodiment, the rail portion 211 isprovided so that the straight line that connects together the centralportion of the rail portion 211 in the slide direction and the center ofthe ring is perpendicular to the slide direction as the ring formed bythe ring-shaped portion 201 is viewed from the front side. Thus, therail portion 211 can be arranged close to the ring-shaped portion 201(in the present embodiment, the rail portion 211 is arranged in thevicinity of the inner circumference of the ring-shaped portion 201 asviewed from the front view direction as shown in FIG. 12) whilemaintaining the state where the rail portion 211 is unlikely to contactthe ring-shaped portion 201. Therefore, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 as a whole can be made compact.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rail portion 211 is provided on one side of themain portion 202 that is closer to the central axis of the ring formedby the ring-shaped portion 201 (i.e., located on the side of the centralaxis of the ring relative to the center of the main portion 202).Specifically, the rail portion 211 is provided on the surface of themain portion 202 that is facing the center of the ring (specifically,the inner side surface 216) so that the right controller 4 can beattached facing the inner side of the ring-shaped portion 201. The railportion 211 (specifically, the bottom surface 214 of the rail portion211) faces toward the space surrounded by the ring-shaped portion 201,i.e., toward the central axis of the ring formed by the ring-shapedportion 201. Note that “the central axis of the ring” is an axis thatpasses through the center of the ring as viewed from the front side andextends in parallel to the front view direction of the ring. Moreover,“the rail portion 211 facing toward the central axis of the ring” is notlimited to embodiments where the normal to the bottom surface of therail portion 211 strictly passes through the central axis of the ring.

As the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 is viewed from thefront side, the rail portion 211 is provided at a position on the innerside relative to the outer edge of the ring (see the one-dot-chain lineshown in FIG. 12. Note however that the one-dot-chain line is drawn inFIG. 12 to be slightly on the outer side of the outer edge of the ringfor the sake of illustration). Note that in the present embodiment,since the right controller 4 is attached to the main portion 202 so thatthe bottom surface of the rail portion 211 faces toward the center ofthe ring and the left side surface of the right controller 4 is parallelto the bottom surface of the rail portion 211, and the primary surfaceof the right controller 4 is perpendicular to the left side surface, thefront view direction is perpendicular to the primary surface. Therefore,it can be said that “as the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion isviewed from the front side” in the present embodiment means as the ringis viewed from the direction perpendicular to the primary surface of theright controller 4 attached to the main portion 202. As described above,the main portion 202 is attached to the right controller 4 so as to belocated on the inner side relative to the outer edge of the ring as thering formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 is viewed from the frontside. Note that it can also be said that the main portion 202 isattached to the right controller 4 so that the right controller 4 islocated on the side of the center of the ring formed by the ring-shapedportion 201 relative to the main portion 202. Note that “on the innerside relative to the outer edge of the ring formed by the ring-shapedportion 201” refers to an area that can be seen on the inner side of theouter edge of the ring as viewed from the front view direction.Therefore, the rail portion 211 may be at a different location from thering-shaped portion 201 with respect to the front view direction.

According to the configuration where the rail portion 211 faces towardthe central axis of the ring or the configuration where the rail portion211 is located on the inner side relative to the outer edge of the ringas described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility that theright controller 4 contacts other objects when the user uses thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 with the right controller 4 attachedthereto. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that theright controller 4 contacts other objects so that the right controller 4comes off the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 or is damaged.

Note that in other embodiments, at least a portion of the rail portion211 may be provided at a position on the inner side relative to theouter edge of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201. That is,the right controller 4 may be attached to the main portion 202 so thatat least a portion of the right controller 4 is at a position on theinner side relative to the outer edge of the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201. This also makes it possible to reduce thepossibility that the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 contacts other objects.

In the present embodiment, the primary surface of the right controller 4attached to the main portion 202 faces the front side as the ring formedby the ring-shaped portion 201 is viewed from the front side (see FIG.12). The direction in which the analog stick 52 sticks out is thedirection in which a portion of the main portion 202 where the railportion 211 is provided (i.e., a portion that protrudes forward)protrudes relative to the ring-shaped portion 201. Therefore, in thepresent embodiment, when the user holds the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 while facing the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, theprimary surface of the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 faces the user. Thus, it is easy for the user tooperate the operation sections provided on the primary surface of theright controller 4 (e.g., the analog stick 52 and the buttons 53 to 56)even when the right controller 4 is attached to the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5.

As shown in FIG. 12, the housing 212 has a marking 218 thereon that islocated so as to be next to a plus button 57 of the right controller 4when attached to the main portion 202. Specifically, the marking 218 islocated so as to come gradually closer to the plus button 57 as theright controller 4 is slid in the insertion direction while inengagement with the rail portion 211. Moreover, the marking 218 islocated so as to be perpendicular to the slide direction with respect tothe plus button 57 in the state where the right controller 4 is attachedto the main portion 202. Moreover, the marking 218 is located so as tobe in symmetry with the plus button 57 with respect to the boundarybetween the primary surface of the right controller 4 and the housing212 (herein, the gap between the primary surface of the right controller4 and the housing 212). That is, the length of the perpendicular drawnfrom the boundary to the position of the marking 218 is generally equalto the length of the perpendicular drawn from the boundary to theposition of the plus button 57. With the right controller 4 attached tothe main portion 202, the distance between the marking 218 and the plusbutton 57 is shorter than the distance between the operation section(herein, the X button 55) of the right controller 4 that is closest tothe plus button 57 and the plus button 57. With the right controller 4attached to the main portion 202, an operation section, among all theoperation sections of the right controller 4, that is located closest tothe marking 218 is the plus button 57.

As shown in FIG. 12, the marking 218 represents the plus button 57. Notethat the marking 218 may be a (solid) part provided on the housing 212or may be a pattern drawn on the housing 212. While the marking 218 hasthe same shape as the plus button 57 in the present embodiment, themarking 218 may have any shape that represents the plus button 57. Notethat “the shape of the marking” means that it may be a solid shape whoseouter shape represents the object or may be a planar shape whose patternrepresents the object. Instead of directly representing the plus button57, the marking 218 may have a shape that is reminiscent of the plusbutton 57 or may have a shape that is associated with the plus button 57(excluding a shape that represents a minus sign). With the marking 218,the user can realize that the right controller 4 having the plus button57 thereon, rather than the left controller 3 having the minus button 47thereon, should be put on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Basedon the position of the marking 218, the user can realize that when theright controller 4 is put on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, theuser should insert the right controller 4 into the rail portion 211 upto a position where the plus button 57 and the marking 218 are alignedtogether. Note that the marking 218 may have a shape such as an arrowshape, for example, instead of a shape relating to the plus button 57.Thus, with the marking 218, it is easier for the user to perform theoperation of putting the right controller 4 on the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. Note that the shape and the position of the marking 218 arenot limited to those described above, but any suitable changes may bemade thereto as long as the user can realize that the right controller4, rather than the left controller 3, should be put on the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5, and the user can realize how far into the railportion 211 the right controller 4 should be inserted when putting theright controller 4 on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

The ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes a terminal (a terminal294 shown in FIG. 26) for electrical connection with the rightcontroller 4. The terminal 294 is provided at a position along the railportion 211 that corresponds to the terminal 64 of the right controller4 attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. The terminal 64 ofthe right controller 4 is provided on a surface that opposes the housing51 near the lower end (i.e., the end portion in the insertion direction)of the slider 62 (see FIG. 6). Thus, the terminal 294 is provided on thereverse side surface of the stopper portion 213 (i.e., a surface thatopposes the bottom surface 214 of the rail portion 211). Therefore, whenthe right controller 4 is attached to the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 (i.e., when the latch portion 63 of the right controller 4engages with the notch 219 of the rail portion 211 while the slider 62of the right controller 4 is in engagement with the rail portion 211),the terminal 294 of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 and theterminal 64 of the right controller 4 come into contact with each other.Thus, the terminal 294 of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 and theterminal 64 of the right controller 4 are electrically connected to eachother. Note that in the present embodiment, the terminal 294 is providedon the side (i.e., the left side) of the rail portion 211 that isopposite to the side from which the right controller 4 is inserted.Thus, when the right controller 4 is attached to the rail portion 211,it is possible to reduce the frequency the terminal 294 contacts theright controller 4, and it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe terminal 294 is damaged.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are exploded perspective views of the main portionshown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the mainportion 202 as viewed from the inner side of the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201 (specifically, the Y-axis negative directionside), and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main portion202 as viewed from the outer side of the ring formed by the ring-shapedportion 201 (specifically, the Y-axis positive direction side).

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, the housing212 includes an inner housing 221 and an outer housing 222. The innerhousing 221 is generally arranged on the inner side of the ring formedby the ring-shaped portion 201. The outer housing 222 is generallyarranged on the outer side of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion201. The inner housing 221 and the outer housing 222 are secured to eachother using screws, for example. Note that in the present embodiment,there is no limitation on the method for securing two members together(i.e., so that one member does not come off the other member), and itmay be a method for connecting together two members by fastening usingscrews, or the like, a method for bonding together two members using anadhesive, or a method for fitting one member to the other member.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the ring-shaped portion 201 is securedto the housing 212 while being sandwiched between the inner housing 221and the outer housing 222. In the present embodiment, as the innerhousing 221 and the base portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 arefastened together using screws, thereby securing the ring-shaped portion201 to the inner housing 221. The ring-shaped portion 201 is secured tothe housing 212 while passing through a hole that is produced when theinner housing 221 and the outer housing 222 are secured together. Thus,a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 (specifically, a portionincluding the base portion to be described below) is covered by thehousing 212.

As shown in FIG. 13, the rail portion 211 is secured to the innerhousing 221 using screws, for example. The inner housing 221 has aretracted portion 217 that is retracted from the inner side surface 216,and the rail portion 211 is secured to the retracted portion 217. In thepresent embodiment, the depth of the retracted portion 217 is slightlygreater than the thickness of the rail portion 211. Therefore, with therail portion 211 secured to the retracted portion 217 of the innerhousing 221, the stopper portion 213 and the opposing portion 215 of therail portion 211 are located slightly retracted relative to the innerside surface 216.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the rail portion 211 islocated retracted relative to the surface (e.g., the inner side surface216) of the housing 212. Thus, with the right controller 4 attached tothe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the inner side surface 216 of thehousing 212 is in contact with the right controller 4 to apply a forcepressing against the right controller 4. This reduces the loosenessbetween the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 and the right controller4.

In the present embodiment, the rail portion 211 is provided on thehousing 212 with a portion of the rail portion 211 exposed to theoutside of the housing 212 so that the slider 62 can be inserted intothe rail portion 211. As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, as for the lengthof the rail portion 211 in the slide direction (i.e., the X-axisdirection), the length (L1 shown in FIG. 11) of the non-protrudingportion of the housing 212 that covers the ring-shaped portion 201 isshorter than the length (L2 shown in FIG. 11) of the protruding portionof the housing 212 where the rail portion 211 is provided. Thus,according to the present embodiment, it is possible to securely protectthe rail portion 211 by the housing 212, and it is possible to make thehousing 212 compact by relatively reducing the area where the housing212 covers the ring-shaped portion 201. When designing the shape of thehousing 212, first, the length of the protruding portion is determinedbased on the length of the slider 62 of the right controller 4. With thelength of the protruding portion having been determined, in order tomake the outer shape of the housing 212 simple, one may consider makingthe length of the housing 212 in the slide direction constant at thelength of the protruding portion of the housing 212, thereby making flatthe surfaces of the housing 212 on opposite sides in the slidedirection. However, if the first portion where the housing 212 coversthe ring-shaped portion 201 becomes longer in that direction, thering-shaped portion 201 may be more likely to contact the housing 212when the ring-shaped portion 201 is deformed, and the load to be appliedto the housing 212 as the ring-shaped portion 201 contacts the housing212 may increase. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, bymaking the non-protruding portion compact, the ring-shaped portion 201is less likely to contact the housing 212 and it is possible to reducethe load applied to the housing 212 when contacted by the ring-shapedportion 201, as compared with the case where the housing 212 has aconstant length in the slide direction.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5includes a substrate 223. A circuit that functions as a processingsection 293, a signal conversion section 292 and a power conversionsection 295 (see FIG. 26) to be described below is provided on thesubstrate 223. The substrate 223 is provided inside the housing 212, andis fastened to the housing 212 using screws, for example. In the presentembodiment, the protruding portion includes the substrate 223.Specifically, the substrate 223 is provided inside the protrudingportion. Note that although not shown in the figures, the circuit on thesubstrate 223 is electrically connected to the terminal 294 describedabove and is electrically connected to a strain gauge to be describedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the main portion 202 includes alightguide portion 224 and a holder 225. The holder 225 holds thelightguide portion 224 inside the housing 212. That is, in the presentembodiment, the holder 225 for holding the lightguide portion 224 issecured to the housing 212.

As described above, the right controller 4 includes the indicator LEDs67 on the engaging surface of the slider 62 (see FIG. 6). With the rightcontroller 4 attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, theengaging surface of the slider 62 opposes the bottom surface of the railportion 211 and is no longer exposed. Therefore, in the presentembodiment, the lightguide portion 224 is provided so as to allow theuser to see the light emitted from the indicator LEDs 67 from outsidethe housing 212 even in the state described above.

The lightguide portion 224 includes the same number of lightguides asthe number of the indicator LEDs 67 (herein, four). One end of eachlightguide is the light-receiving surface, and the other end thereof isthe light-exiting surface. The lightguides are transparent members madeof a resin, or the like, for example. Note that the lightguides are eachany component that has the function of guiding light from thelight-receiving surface to the light-exiting surface. The lightguide mayhave any shape such that the light-receiving surface is located in thevicinity of the light-receiving port to be described later and thelight-exiting surface is located in the vicinity of the light-exitingport to be described later.

As shown in FIG. 13, a light-receiving port H1 is provided on theretracted portion 217 of the inner housing 221, and a light-receivingport H2 is provided on the bottom surface 214 of the rail portion 211.The light-receiving ports H1 and H2 are located so as to substantiallyoppose the position of the indicator LEDs 67 of the right controller 4attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Specifically, theposition of the light-receiving ports H1 and H2 overlaps with theposition of the indicator LEDs 67 for the left-right direction (i.e.,the X-axis direction) and the front-rear direction (i.e., the Z-axisdirection) of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. The holder 225holds the lightguide portion 224 at such a position that thelight-receiving surfaces of the lightguide portion 224 are exposedthrough the light-receiving ports H1 and H2.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outer housing 222 includes light-exiting portsH3. In the present embodiment, the outer housing 222 includes the samenumber, i.e., four, of light-exiting ports H3 as the number of theindicator LEDs 67. The holder 225 holds the lightguide portion 224 atsuch a position that the light-exiting surfaces of the lightguideportion 224 are exposed respectively through the light-exiting ports H3.Therefore, when light from the indicator LEDs 67 of the right controller4 enters the light-receiving port H2, light is guided through thelightguide portion 224 to exit through the light-exiting ports H3.

Thus, the lightguide portion 224 guides the light, which is from theindicator LEDs 67 of the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 and received by the light-receiving port H2provided on a predetermined surface (specifically, the bottom surface214) of the rail portion 211, to the light-exiting port H3 provided onanother surface of the main portion 202 that is different from thepredetermined surface of the rail portion 211. Then, based on the lightfrom the light-exiting port H3, the user can check the light emission ofthe indicator LEDs 67, even when the right controller 4 is attached tothe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Information that is conveyed bythe indicator LEDs 67 of the right controller 4 can be presented to theuser with a simple configuration using the lightguide portion 224.

Note that in the present embodiment, the light-exiting ports H3 areprovided at positions that can be seen from the front side and from theupper side of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 (see FIG. 10).Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user can see the light fromthe light-exiting ports H3 not only when the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 is used at a relatively high position with the front sidethe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 facing toward the front side (seeFIG. 15), but also when the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is used ata relatively low position, and when the ring-shaped extension apparatus5 is not held by the user and is put down where the user sees thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 from outside the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201. That is, the light-exiting ports H3 can bearranged at such positions that it is easy for the user to see the lightfrom the light-exiting ports H3.

Note that in other embodiments, there is no limitation on the positionsof the light-exiting ports H3, and the light-exiting ports H3 may beprovided at any positions where the light-exiting ports H3 can be seenfrom outside the housing 212. For example, the light-exiting ports H3may be provided at any positions on the outer housing 222.

[1-2-2. Grip Cover]

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5includes grip covers 206 and 207. The grip covers 206 and 207 arecomponents to be held by the user. In the present embodiment, with theprovision of the grip covers 206 and 207, it is easier for the user tohold the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. The details of the gripcovers 206 and 207 will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, two gripcovers 206 and 207 are provided on the ring-shaped portion 201. In thepresent embodiment, the grip covers 206 and 207 can be removed from thering-shaped portion 201. The grip covers 206 and 207 are put on the gripportions of the ring-shaped portion 201. Herein, a grip portion is aportion of the ring-shaped portion 201 to be held by the user. In thepresent embodiment, a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 near theright end thereof and a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 near theleft end thereof are the grip portions. That is, it can be said thatwhen the main portion 202 is located at the central angle of 0° withrespect to the center of the ring-shaped portion 201, the grip portionsare provided at the position of +90° and at the position of −90°.Hereinafter, the grip portion near the right end of the ring-shapedportion 201 will be referred to as the right grip portion, and the gripportion near the left end of the ring-shaped portion 201 will bereferred to as the left grip portion. Although the details will bedescribed later, each grip portion is provided with an element (a fourthtouch fastener 233 to be described below) that allows the grip cover 206or 207 to be put on. Where the grip cover 206 or 207 is removable fromthe ring-shaped portion 201 as in the present embodiment, the portionwhere the element that allows the grip cover 206 or 207 to be put on isprovided can be said to be the grip portion.

Note that the grip portions may have any configuration such that thegrip portions can be recognized distinguished from the other portions ofthe ring-shaped portion 201. For example, when portions of thering-shaped portion 201 (specifically, a portion near the left end and aportion near the right end of the ring-shaped portion 201) are of adifferent color and/or a different pattern from the other portions, theycan be said to be grip portions (as they serve to allow the user torealize that they are the portions to be held for performingoperations). When portions of the ring-shaped portion 201 (specifically,a portion near the left end and a portion near the right end of thering-shaped portion 201) are formed to be thicker than the otherportions, they can be said to be grip portions (as they serve to allowthe user to realize that they are the portions to be held for performingoperations). For example, when similar members to the grip covers arenon-removably secured to the ring-shaped portion 201, those members canbe said to be grip portions. As described above, with the grip portions,the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 allows the user to performoperations while holding appropriate positions thereof.

Note that in the present embodiment, the user holds the grip covers 206and 207, which are put on the grip portions of the ring-shaped portion201, thereby indirectly holding the grip portions. In contrast, in otherembodiments, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 may include no gripcovers, in which case the user can directly hold the grip portions ofthe ring-shaped portion 201. That is, the grip portions may be portionsto be directly or indirectly held by the user.

In the present embodiment, the left grip cover 206 is provided on theleft grip portion near the left end of the ring-shaped portion 201, andthe right grip cover 207 is provided on the right grip portion near theright end of the ring-shaped portion 201. Thus, in the presentembodiment, the grip portions are provided at two locations, left andright, of the ring-shaped portion 201 assuming that the user will beholding the two grip portions with two hands, respectively. Note thatthere is no limitation on the number of grip portions, and the gripportions may be provided at three or more locations, or at only onelocation, depending on the operation method or methods contemplated.Depending on the content of the game (or the content of the fitnessexercise operation to be performed by the user in the game), only aparticular one or particular ones of a plurality of grip portions may beheld by one hand or both hands. In other embodiments, there may be nogrip portions that can be recognized distinguished from the otherportions of the ring-shaped portion 201.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of how the user uses theextension apparatus. As shown in FIG. 15, when using the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5, the user can hold the left grip cover 206 put onthe left grip portion with the left hand and hold the right grip cover207 put on the right grip portion with the right hand. Note thatalthough the details will be described later, the user can use thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 in a different manner from that shownin FIG. 15.

In the present embodiment, the two grip portions can provided atpositions on the ring-shaped portion 201 that are in symmetry with eachother with respect to the center of the circular ring (which may also bean elliptical ring) of the ring-shaped portion 201 (see FIG. 12). Thisallows the user to hold the ring-shaped portion 201 at such positionsthat it is easier for the user to apply a force on the ring-shapedportion 201, and it is possible to provide an input apparatus that iseasy to operate.

In the present embodiment, two grip portions are provided in parallel tothe left-right direction. Therefore, the rail portion 211 of the mainportion 202 is provided in such an orientation that the direction fromone of the two grip portions to the other is substantially parallel tothe slide direction (of the rail portion 211). It is assumed that whenusing the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the user holds thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 so that the two grip portions arearranged horizontal with each other (see FIG. 15). Therefore, in thestate where the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 is held as describedabove, the user can put the right controller 4 on the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 by horizontally moving and inserting the rightcontroller 4 into the rail portion 211. That is, according to thepresent embodiment, it is easier for the user to put the rightcontroller 4 on the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 while holding thering-shaped extension apparatus 5.

Note that in the present embodiment, where the up direction is definedas the direction in which the shaft portion of the analog stick 52 istilted to give an upward instruction to the analog stick 52 of the rightcontroller 4 attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the mainportion 202 is provided at a position on the ring-shaped portion 201that is on the upper side relative to the center of the ring formed bythe ring-shaped portion 201 (see FIG. 12). Then, it is assumed that theuser uses the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 in such an orientationthat the main portion 202 is located on the upper side (see FIG. 15).Therefore, assuming that the user uses the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 in such an orientation, even if the user inadvertently dropsthe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 during use, the shock is lesstransmitted to the right controller 4, and it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the right controller 4 comes off the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5.

Note that in the present embodiment, since the ring-shaped portion 201is elastically deformable, even if the user inadvertently drops thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 during use, the shock is absorbed bythe ring-shaped portion 201. Therefore, even in such a case as describedabove, the possibility is low for the right controller 4 to come off thering-shaped extension apparatus 5.

While the user is using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the usermay switch grip from holding two grip portions, and operate the rightcontroller 4 while letting go of one hand from the grip portion. In sucha case, in the present embodiment, since the main portion 202 isprovided on the upper side relative to the grip portions, it is possibleto arrange the right controller 4 at such a position that it is easy tooperate the right controller 4.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the left grip cover 206. FIG.17 is a diagram illustrating a case where the left grip cover 206 is puton the left grip portion of the ring-shaped portion 201. Note that thegrip cover will be described with reference to the left grip cover 206as an example, while omitting the detailed description of the right gripcover 207, which has a similar configuration to the left grip cover 206.

The left grip cover 206 has a flat shape and is made of a fabric. Asshown in FIG. 16, the left grip cover 206 has a generally quadrangularshape. As shown in FIG. 17 the left grip cover 206 is put on thering-shaped portion 201 in a tubular shape (in other words, the leftgrip cover 206 is wound around the ring-shaped portion 201). The leftgrip cover 206 may be of any material such that the left grip cover 206can be rolled into a tubular shape by securing one end thereof to theother end thereof. The left grip cover 206 may have a shock absorbingmaterial, such as foam, inside so that it is easier for the user tohold.

FIG. 16 shows the inner side surface the left grip cover 206. Note thatthe inner side surface of the left grip cover 206 is a surface to be onthe inner side when the left grip cover 206 is put on around thering-shaped portion 201. As shown in FIG. 16, a first touch fastener 231is provided at the end portion on one side of the inner side surface ofthe left grip cover 206, and a second touch fastener 232 is provided atthe end portion on the other side. Note that the “end portion”, as usedherein, refers to the tip in a strict sense and to a portion around thetip. Although not shown in the figures, a third touch fastener isprovided on the area of the outer side surface of the left grip cover206 that is on the reverse side of the first touch fastener 231. Thesecond touch fastener 232 and the third touch fastener can be attachedto and detached from each other. For example, the second touch fastener232 may be a hook-surface touch fastener, and the third touch fasteneris a loop-surface touch fastener.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ring-shaped portion 201 includes the fourthtouch fastener 233 on the grip portion. The fourth touch fastener 233 isbonded to the grip portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 by anadhesive, for example. In the present embodiment, the fourth touchfastener 233 is provided on the inner side surface of the ring-shapedportion 201, which is band-shaped. Thus, other objects are less likelyto contact the fourth touch fastener 233. Note that although not shownin the figures, a fifth touch fastener is provided on the inner sidesurface of the ring-shaped portion 201 at the right grip portion nearthe right end of the ring-shaped portion 201. The fourth touch fastener233 allows the left grip cover 206 to be put on the ring-shaped portion201, and the fifth touch fastener allows the right grip cover 207 to beput on the ring-shaped portion 201.

The first touch fastener 231 and the fourth touch fastener 233 can beattached to and detached from each other. For example, the first touchfastener 231 is a loop-surface touch fastener and the fourth touchfastener 233 is a hook-surface touch fastener. Note that the fifth touchfastener is a touch fastener similar to the fourth touch fastener 233(herein, a hook-surface touch fastener).

When the left grip cover 206 is put on the ring-shaped portion 201, thefirst touch fastener 231 of the left grip cover 206 is first fastened tothe fourth touch fastener 233 of the ring-shaped portion 201. Then, withthe left grip cover 206 wound around the ring-shaped portion 201, thesecond touch fastener 232 of the left grip cover 206 and the third touchfastener are fastened together. The left grip cover 206 can be put onthe ring-shaped portion 201 as described above.

In the present embodiment, since the left grip cover 206 is wound aroundthe ring-shaped portion 201, the left grip cover 206 is unlikely to comeoff the ring-shaped portion 201. Since the first touch fastener 231 andthe fourth touch fastener 233 are fastened together, the left grip cover206 is unlikely to slip down the ring-shaped portion 201. According tothe present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe grip covers 206 and 207 come off the ring-shaped portion 201 or slipdown the ring-shaped portion 201 while the user is holding the gripcovers 206 and 207, thus improving the operability of the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5.

Note that the right grip cover 207 can be put on the ring-shaped portion201 in a similar manner to that for putting the left grip cover 206 onthe ring-shaped portion 201.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the grip covers 206 and207 can be removed from the ring-shaped portion 201. Thus, when the gripcovers 206 and 207 get dirty or damaged over long-term use, the user canclean or replace the grip covers 206 and 207.

[1-2-3. Ring-Shaped Portion]

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are diagrams showing a portion of the ring-shapedportion. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a portion of the ring-shaped portion201 when the main portion 202 is not put on the ring-shaped portion 201,and specifically show a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 near thebase portion 242. Note that FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portionof the ring-shaped portion 201 as viewed from the outer side of the ringformed by the ring-shaped portion 201. FIG. 19 is a perspective view ofa portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 as viewed from the inner sideof the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201.

As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the ring-shaped portion 201 includesthe elastic member 241 and the base portion 242. The elastic member 241is made of an elastically deformable material. Although the details willbe described later, a core 243 of the elastic member 241 is made of aresin (specifically, an FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic)). The elasticmember 241 is a portion of the ring-shaped portion 201 that elasticallydeforms in response to an operation by the user.

The base portion 242 holds the opposite ends of the elastic member 241so that a ring is formed by the base portion 242 and the elastic member241. Herein, “the base portion 242 holds the elastic member 241” meansthat the base portion 242 secures the elastic member 241 so that theelastic member 241 does not come off while maintaining a certain shape(herein, a ring shape that is formed together with the base portion242).

Note however that the elastic member 241 may deform when another forceis applied to the elastic member 241 while the base portion 242 holdsthe elastic member 241, as will be described below, and this isencompassed by the phrase “the base portion 242 holds the elastic member241”. The base portion 242 is made of a material having a higherrigidity than the elastic member 241. In the present embodiment, thebase portion 242 is made of a metal. Therefore, when the same force isapplied to the base portion 242 and the elastic member 241, the amountof strain of the base portion 242 is smaller than the amount of strainof the elastic member 241.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 18, the elasticmember 241 has a plate shape having two surfaces (which can also be saidto be a band shape), and the base portion 242 holds the elastic member241 with one surface of the elastic member 241 facing the outer side ofthe ring and the other surface facing the inner side of the ring. Theelastic member 241 forms a part of the ring so that the longitudinaldirection of the elastic member 241 is the circumferential direction ofthe ring-shaped portion 201. Note that the longitudinal direction of theelastic member 241 is the longitudinal direction when the elastic member241 is flattened out, and the width direction of the elastic member 241is the width direction (in the present embodiment, the front-reardirection) when the elastic member 241 is flattened out. In the presentembodiment, the elastic member 241, as flattened out, has a rectangularshape. Therefore, it can be said that the longitudinal direction of theelastic member 241 is the direction along the longer side of the surfaceof the elastic member 241, and the width direction of the elastic member241 is the direction along the shorter side thereof.

Note that in the present embodiment, the elastic member 241 is in alinear shape while not being held by the base portion 242. The baseportion 242 holds the elastic member 241, which is in a linear shapewhile no force is applied thereto, in such a bent state that it forms aring. Thus, using the elastic member 241 having a linear shape makes theproduction of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 easier.

Note that in other embodiments, the elastic member 241 may have anyshape, and may have a shape that is bent while not being held by thebase portion 242. For example, the elastic member 241 may have a shapethat forms a part of a ring (e.g., a circular ring that coincides withthe circular ring of the ring-shaped portion 201 of the presentembodiment) while not being held by the base portion 242. In the presentembodiment, the elastic member 241 is held by the base portion 242 whileunder a stress being bent in a ring shape. In other embodiments, theelastic member 241 may have a shape that forms a part of a ring whileunder no stress, and may be held by the base portion 242 while under nostress. While the elastic member 241 has a band shape in the presentembodiment, it may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a shape whose crosssection perpendicular the circumferential direction is a circular shape)in other embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the ring-shapedportion shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 shows the ring-shaped portion 201 thatis cut away along a cross section that extends along half line AB ofFIG. 18 and is perpendicular to the Z axis and a cross section thatextends along half line BC of FIG. 18 and is perpendicular to the Xaxis.

As shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 20, the elastic member 241 includes thecore 243 and a cover portion 244. The core 243 is made of an elasticallydeformable material. In the present embodiment, the core 243 is a resin,specifically, an FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic). The core 243 has such arigidity that the core 243 can be deformed by a human. For example, theflexural rigidity of the core 243 is in the range of 0.33 to 0.50[Pa·m⁴]. In the present embodiment, the core 243 has a band shape, andis held by the base portion 242 with one surface facing the outer sideof the ring the other surface facing the inner side of the ring.

The cover portion 244 has a tubular shape and is provided so as to coverthe core 243 (see FIG. 20). In the present embodiment, the cover portion244 is made of a material that is softer than the core 243 (i.e., amaterial that has a low indentation hardness). Specifically, in thepresent embodiment, the cover portion 244 is of a silicone resin. Thecover portion 244 improves the feel of the elastic member 241 whentouched by the user. The cover portion 244 can also absorbs the impactwhen the elastic member 241 hits another object.

In the present embodiment, the length in the circumferential direction(in other words, the length in the longitudinal direction while notbeing held by the base portion 242) of the cover portion 244 is shorterthan the core 243. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, portions of thebar-shaped core 243 near the opposite ends thereof are not covered bythe cover portion 244 and are exposed.

In the present embodiment, the core 243 runs through the inside of thetubular cover portion 244 and is secured to the base portion 242 at theopposite ends of the core 243. Thus, the cover portion 244 is preventedfrom slipping off the core 243. Note that in the present embodiment, thecover portion 244 is not fixed to the core 243. Therefore, in thepresent embodiment, when the elastic member 241 is deformed by anoperation of the user, an unnecessary force, which would be applied ifthe core 243 were fixed to the cover portion 244, is not applied, thusimproving the durability of the cover portion 244.

As shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, the base portion 242 has a tubularshape. In the present embodiment, the base portion 242 has a flat shapeas viewed from outside, and includes an outer plate portion 251 and aninner plate portion 252 that are flat plate-shaped (strictly speaking,they are bent so as to be a part of the circumference of the ring-shapedportion 201) (see FIG. 18 and FIG. 19). The outer plate portion 251 isone of the flat plate-shaped portions of the base portion 242 that isarranged farther away from the center of the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201. The inner plate portion 252 is one of the flatplate-shaped portions of the base portion 242 that is arranged closer tothe center of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201. The baseportion 242 includes two side plate portions 253 that are provided onboth sides of the front-rear direction and connect together the outerplate portion 251 and the inner plate portion 252. As described above,the base portion 242 is formed in a tubular shape including the outerplate portion 251, the inner plate portion 252 and the side plateportions 253. Thus, the “tubular shape”, as used herein, refers to ashape having a side surface that extends completely around in thecircumferential direction with the inside of the side surface beinghollow. Note that although the base portion 242 of the presentembodiment has slits 258 as shown in FIG. 18, it can be said that thebase portion 242 has a tubular shape because it partly has a surface (asurface that includes the outer plate portion, the side plate portionsand the inner plate portion as will be described below) that extends onecomplete round in the circumferential direction. The phrase “an objecthas a tubular shape” does not impose a limitation that the cross sectionalong the circumferential direction of the object has a circular ringshape, but there is no limitation on the shape of the cross section.

Note that the dotted lines shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are drawn forease of understanding of the positions of the outer plate portion 251,the inner plate portion 252 and the side plate portions 253 of the baseportion 242, and the dotted lines are not actually drawn on the baseportion 242.

As shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, the tubular base portion 242 has a leftopening 254 and a right opening 255. The openings 254 and 255 are shapedand sized so that the core 243 can be inserted therethrough. The elasticmember 241 is held by the base portion 242 with the first end portion(specifically, the end portion of the core 243 on one side) insertedthrough the left opening 254, and the second end portion (specifically,the end portion of the core 243 on the other side) inserted through theright opening 255. Then, the tip of the elastic member 241 is locatednear the center of the base portion 242 in the left-right direction andis in contact with the tube inner side surface of the outer plateportion 251 (see FIG. 20). Although the details will be described later,as the tubular base portion 242 holds the elastic member 241 in such astate as described above, it is possible to diffuse the force receivedby the base portion 242 from the elastic member 241.

Note that in the present embodiment, the cover portion 244 is notinserted through the openings 254 and 255 of the base portion 242. Thatis, in the present embodiment, portions of the core 243 are exposed fromthe cover portion 244 at the first end portion and the second endportion, and the base portion 242 holds the portions of the core 243that are exposed at the first end portion and the second end portion(see FIG. 20). Then, it is possible to reduce the possibility that thecover portion 244, which is softer than the core 243, contacts the baseportion 242 and gets damaged.

In the present embodiment, the elastic member 241 (more specifically,the core 243) is fastened to the base portion 242 using rivets.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, a portion of the core 243 near theend portion thereof on one side that is inserted through the leftopening 254 is fastened to the base portion 242 using rivets 261 and262. More specifically, the core 243 includes holes that are made at twolocations near the end portion on that side, the outer plate portion 251of the base portion 242 includes holes that are made at two locationsnear the left opening 254, and the inner plate portion 252 of the baseportion 242 includes holes that are made at two locations near the leftopening 254. Then, the rivets 261 and 262 are fastened through the holesin the outer plate portion 251, the holes in the core 243 and the holesin the inner plate portion 252 (see FIG. 20). The core 243 is fastenedto the base portion 242 using rivets 263 and 264 near the end portion onthe other side that is inserted through the right opening 255. The core243 is fastened to the base portion 242 using rivets also at the rightopening 255 in a manner similar to the left opening 254. As describedabove, in the present embodiment, in the state where the base portion242 holds the elastic member 241, the ring shape formed by the elasticmember 241 and the base portion 242 is maintained, and the elasticmember 241 is prevented from coming off the base portion 242.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the base portion 242includes an inner portion (specifically, the inner plate portion 252)that is provided on the side closer to the center of the ring formed bythe base portion 242 and the elastic member 241, and an outer portion(specifically, the outer plate portion 251) that is provided so as tooppose the inner portion and is provided on the side away from thecenter of the ring. The elastic member 241 is held by the base portion242 with the first end portion and the second end portion of the elasticmember 241 sandwiched between the outer portion and the inner portion.Note that in the present embodiment, the first end portion of theelastic member 241 is sandwiched between the outer portion and the innerportion at the end portion of the base portion 242 on one side in theleft-right direction, and the second end portion of the elastic member241 is sandwiched between the outer portion and the inner portion at theend portion of the base portion 242 on the other side in the left-rightdirection.

Now consider a configuration where the base portion 242 has a singleplate shape (without the outer portion and the inner portion), and theelastic member 241 is fastened to the base portion 242 using rivets.With such a configuration, the stress of the elastic member 241 isapplied to the rivets, and the rivets may be under a great load, therebydamaging the rivets. A force will be localized at one point of theelastic member 241 where the elastic member 241 is secured using therivets, and the elastic member 241 may also be damaged.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the base portion 242 includesthe outer portion and the inner portion, and the base portion 242 holdsthe elastic member 241 with the elastic member 241 inserted between theouter portion and the inner portion. Then, since the stress of theelastic member 241 is applied primarily to the outer portion and theinner portion of the base portion 242 (see FIG. 21), it is possible toreduce the load to be applied to the rivets. Therefore, it is possibleto reduce the possibility that the rivets may be damaged.

In the present embodiment, since the elastic member 241 and the outerportion and the inner portion of the base portion 242 contact eachother, the force to be received by the elastic member 241 and the baseportion 242 from each other is more evenly distributed. Specifically,each tip portion of the elastic member 241 applies a pressing force to asurface of the outer portion that opposes the inner portion, while aportion of each end portion of the elastic member 241 that is differentfrom the tip portion applies a pressing force to the opposite ends inthe left-right direction of a surface of the inner portion that opposesthe outer portion (i.e., the inner edge of the opening of the baseportion 242 to be described below) (see FIG. 21). Thus, it is possibleto reduce the load applied to one location of the elastic member 241,and it is possible to reduce the possibility of damaging the elasticmember 241. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the elasticmember 241 and the outer portion and the inner portion of the baseportion 242 contact each other along a line, it is possible to reducethe possibility that the load is localized at one point of the elasticmember 241. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the possibilityof damaging the elastic member 241.

Note that in the present embodiment, the base portion 242 is in atubular shape having openings 254 and 255, wherein the end portion ofthe outer portion and the end portion of the inner portion are parts ofthe edge of each of the openings. The two end portions of the elasticmember 241 are inserted into the openings 254 and 255. In otherembodiments, the base portion 242 may be configured so that the openingsare not formed (see FIG. 23 and FIG. 24). Specifically, the base portion242 may be in a shape that is obtained by bending a single plate into atube-like shape (note however that this shape is not a “tubular shape”as used in the present embodiment because this shape does not have aside surface that is continuous for one complete round in thecircumferential direction). Even with such a configuration, it ispossible to realize the effect described above (i.e., the effect ofreducing the possibility of damaging the rivets and the elastic member)by employing a configuration where the base portion includes the outerportion and the inner portion, with the elastic member 241 insertedbetween the outer portion and the inner portion. Note that with the baseportion 242 being in a tubular shape (e.g., as compared with a shapeshown in FIG. 23), it is easier to produce the base portion 242.

Note that in other embodiments, there is no limitation on the shape ofthe base portion 242, which may be a single plate shape as describedabove, for example.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the elastic member 241 issecured to the base portion 242 at least two locations on the side ofthe first end portion (specifically, the end portion on the one side ofthe core 243), and is secured to the base portion 242 at least twolocations on the side of the second end portion (specifically, the endportion on the other side of the core 243). Then, the elastic member 241is secured to the base portion 242 so that the elastic member 241 cannotpivot about an axis along the up-down direction (i.e., the Y-axisdirection shown in the figures). Therefore, for example, while using thering-shaped extension apparatus 5, it is possible to reduce thepossibility that the elastic member 241 pivots in the directiondescribed above to contact the opening of the base portion 242, and itis possible to reduce the possibility that the elastic member 241contacts the base portion 242 and gets damaged.

Note that there is no limitation on the method for securing together theelastic member 241 and the base portion 242. For example, the elasticmember 241 may be fastened to the base portion 242 using penetratingparts such as rivets, screws and/or bolts, etc. Thus, the elastic member241 can be firmly fastened (or secured) to the base portion 242.

As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5includes a left protection member 256 and a right protection member 257,as an example of protection members. Protection members are provided toreduce the possibility that the elastic member 241 gets damaged bycontacting the base portion 242, which is harder than the elastic member241, while the user is using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Thedetails of the protection members will now be described.

As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the left protection member 256 isprovided on the inner edge of the left opening 254 of the base portion242. The right protection member 257 is provided on the inner edge ofthe right opening 255 of the base portion 242. As shown in FIG. 19, eachof the protection members 256 and 257 is provided on a portion of theinner edge of the opening of the base portion 242 that is close to thecenter of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201. That is, eachof the protection members 256 and 257 is provided on the tube inner sidesurface of the inner plate portion 252 of the base portion 242. Notethat the left protection member 256 and the right protection member 257each generally have a plate shape.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the protection members 256 and 257prevent the inner plate portion 252 and the elastic member 241 fromdirectly contacting each other. Note that there is no limitation on theshape of the protection members 256 and 257, which may be any shape suchthat the protection member can be arranged between the inner plateportion 252 and the elastic member 241.

The protection members 256 and 257 are made of a material that is softerthan the base portion 242. In the present embodiment, the protectionmembers 256 and 257 are made of POM (polyoxymethylene). Note that theprotection members 256 and 257 may be made of the same material as thecore 243 (e.g., an FRP). The protection members 256 and 257 may be of amaterial that is harder than the core 243 or a material that is softerthan the core 243.

Each of the protection members 256 and 257 has a corner that is to be incontact with the elastic member 241 (more specifically, the core 243 inthe present embodiment) is more rounded than the corner of the inneredge of the openings 254 and 255 of the base portion 242 (see FIG. 20).As shown in FIG. 20, the left protection member 256 is provided so as toextend from the space upward of the tube inner side surface of the innerplate portion 252 of the base portion 242 to the space leftward of theleft end of the inner plate portion 252. That is, the left protectionmember 256 is provided so as to protrude from the inside of the tube ofthe base portion 242 to the outside thereof through the left opening254. The portion of the left protection member 256 that is protrudingfrom the left opening 254 hangs down along the edge of the left opening254. With such a hanging shape, the left protection member 256 forms acorner in the upper left portion. The corner is more rounded than thecorner of the inner edge of the left opening 254. In the presentembodiment, there is a lower possibility of damaging the elastic member241 as compared with a case where the corner of the inner edge of thebase portion 242 contacts the elastic member 241 because it contacts theleft protection member 256 configured as described above. Although notshown in FIG. 20, the right protection member 257 also has a similarshape to that of the left protection member 256.

Note that in the present embodiment, the protection members 256 and 257are provided protruding from the inner plate portion 252 to the outsidein the left-right direction. In contrast, in other embodiments, theprotection member may not be provided protruding from the inner plateportion 252 to the outside in the left-right direction, but may beprovided only in the space upward of the inner plate portion 252. Then,as the portion of the protection member that is to be in contact withthe elastic member 241 (e.g., the corner when the protection member isplate-shaped) is more rounded than the corner of the inner edge of theopenings 254 and 255, it is possible to reduce the possibility ofdamaging.

There is no limitation on the method for securing the protection members256 and 257 to the base portion 242. In the present embodiment, theprotection members 256 and 257 are fastened to the base portion 242using the rivets 261 to 264. That is, the protection members 256 and 257each have two holes therein. Then, the rivets 261 and 262 are fastenedto the base portion 242 so as to pass through the holes in the leftprotection member 256. The rivets 263 and 264 are fastened to the baseportion 242 so as to pass through the holes in the right protectionmember 257. Thus, in the present embodiment, the protection members 256and 257 are fastened, together with the elastic member 241, to the baseportion 242 using the rivets 261 to 264.

Note that in the present embodiment, two holes 283 are provided in theinner plate portion 252 of the base portion 242 (see FIG. 19). The leftprotection member 256 is fastened to the base portion with a projection285 thereof inserted into one hole 283 (see FIG. 25 to be discussedbelow). The right protection member 257 is fastened to the base portion242 with a projection (not shown) thereof inserted into the other hole283. Therefore, the protection members 256 and 257 are fastened to thebase portion 242 while being positioned by means of the projections andthe holes 283.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 includes the left protection member 256 that is sandwichedbetween the end portion of the inner plate portion 252 on one side(specifically, the left side) and the elastic member 241 and the rightprotection member 257 that is sandwiched between the end portion of theinner plate portion 252 on the other side and the elastic member 241.The left protection member 256 has a corner that is more rounded thanthe corner of the inner plate portion 252 that is to be in contact withthe left protection member 256 (see FIG. 20). The right protectionmember 257 has a corner that is more rounded than the corner of theinner plate portion 252 to be in contact with the right protectionmember 257. Although the details will be described later, the cornerportion of the inner plate portion 252 described above is a portion towhich a great force is applied when the user performs an operation ofdeforming the elastic member 241 while using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 (see FIG. 21). Therefore, it is possible to efficientlyprotect the elastic member 241 by providing protection members in suchportions as described above so as to prevent the elastic member 241(more specifically, the core 243) from directly contacting the baseportion 242. Note that the elastic member 241 may be in contact with thecorners of the protection members 256 and 257 only in the steady state,or may be in contact with the corners only in the deformed state, or maybe in contact with the corners in both of the states.

Note that when the protection members 256 and 257 are of a material thatis softer than the base portion 242, the possibility of damaging theelastic member 241 is lower than that in cases where the protectionmembers 256 and 257 are absent or than that in cases where theprotection members 256 and 257 are of a material that is harder than thebase portion 242. Therefore, in such a case as described above, theprotection members 256 and 257 do not need to be shaped so that theportions thereof to be in contact with the elastic member 241 are morerounded than the corner of the inner edge of the opening of the baseportion 242.

In other embodiments, the two protection members 256 and 257 may beintegral together (i.e., may be a single component).

In other embodiments, of the inner edge of the opening of the baseportion 242, the protection member may be provided on the tube innerside surface of the outer plate portion 251 in addition to (or insteadof) on the tube inner side surface of the inner plate portion 252. Thus,it is possible to reduce the possibility that the elastic member 241directly contacts the base portion 242.

As shown in FIG. 18, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes astrain gauge 245. The strain gauge 245 is provided on the base portion242 for detecting the strain of the base portion 242. That is, in thepresent embodiment, the base portion 242 functions as the strain body.Although the details will be described later, when the elastic member241 deforms as the user operates the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5,the base portion 242 is strained by the force from the elastic member241. In the present embodiment, the strain generated on the base portion242 is detected by the strain gauge 245 so as to calculate theorientation of deformation and the degree of deformation of the elasticmember 241 based on the detection result.

In the present embodiment, the base portion 242 is provided inside thehousing 212 of the main portion 202 (see FIG. 14). That is, the straingauge 245 is provided in the housing 212. Thus, the strain gauge 245 canbe protected by the housing 212.

In the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245 is provided on a portionof the ring-shaped portion 201 other than the grip portions. Thus, it ispossible to reduce the possibility that the strain gauge 245 detects anunnecessary strain as the user holds at the position of the strain gauge245, and it is possible to precisely detect the strain due to thedeformation of the elastic member 241.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245 isprovided on the outer plate portion 251 of the base portion 242. Morespecifically, the strain gauge 245 is provided on the outer side surface(i.e., a surface that faces the outer side of the ring formed by thering-shaped portion 201) of the outer plate portion 251. The straingauge 245 is provided substantially at the center of the base portion242 for the left-right direction (i.e., the X-axis direction shown inthe figures). The strain gauge 245 is provided substantially at thecenter of the base portion 242 for the front-rear direction (i.e., theZ-axis direction shown in the figures).

In the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245 detects the strain ofthe base portion 242 for the left-right direction (i.e., the X-axisdirection shown in the figures), and the strain of the base portion 242for the front-rear direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction shown in thefigures). That is, the strain gauge 245 includes a sensor that detectsthe strain for the left-right direction and a sensor that detects thestrain for the front-rear direction. Although the details will bedescribed later, in the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245performs temperature compensation by detecting the strain for the twodirections described above.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship betweendeformation of the elastic member 241 and a force that is applied by thedeformation to the base portion 242. FIG. 21(a) shows a state (referredto as the “steady state”) in which the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5is not being operated (i.e., the elastic member 241 is not beingdeformed). FIG. 21(b) shows a state (referred to as the “pushed state”)in which the grip portions of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 arebeing pushed toward each other (i.e., toward the center of the ring).FIG. 21(c) shows a state (referred to as the “pulled state”) in whichthe grip portions of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 are beingpulled away from each other.

In the steady state shown in FIG. 21(a), the elastic member 241 is notbeing deformed by the operation of the user. Note however that in thepresent embodiment, since the elastic member 241 is deformed into acircular shape as the elastic member 241 is held by the base portion242, the elastic member 241 is under a stress due to the deformation.Therefore, the base portion 242 receives, from the elastic member 241, aforce due to the stress (i.e., the force with which the elastic member241 presses the base portion 242). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21,the inner plate portion 252 of the base portion 242 receives a forceF11, oriented toward the center of the ring formed by the ring-shapedportion 201, from the elastic member 241 (via the protection members)near the left opening 254. The outer plate portion 251 of the baseportion 242 receives a force F2, oriented the outer side of the ringformed by the ring-shaped portion 201, from the elastic member 241 nearthe center in the left-right direction. Note that although FIG. 21 onlyshows a force that is applied from the elastic member 241 on the leftside relative to the center of the base portion 242, a force similar tothe force on the left side is applied also on the right side relative tothe center of the base portion 242. Due to these forces F1 and F2, etc.,the outer plate portion 251 of the base portion 242 receives the tensilestrain for the left-right direction (i.e., the strain in the directionin which the outer plate portion 251 extends for the left-rightdirection).

In the pushed state shown in FIG. 21(b), portions of the elastic member241 near the openings 254 and 255 of the base portion 242 deform towardthe inside of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 as comparedwith the steady state (see black arrows). Therefore, the forces F1 andF2, etc., received by the base portion 242 from the elastic member 241are larger than those in the steady state (see FIG. 21(b)). Therefore,the amount of strain of the outer plate portion 251 of the base portion242 for the left-right direction is greater than that in the steadystate. Note that in the pushed state, the amount of tensile strain ofthe outer plate portion 251 increases as the amount by which the elasticmember 241 is deformed in the pushing direction.

In the pulled state shown in FIG. 21(c), portions of the elastic member241 near the openings 254 and 255 of the base portion 242 deform towardthe outside of the ring formed by the ring-shaped portion 201 ascompared with the steady state (see black arrows). Therefore, the forcesF1 and F2, etc., received by the base portion 242 from the elasticmember 241 are smaller than those in the steady state (see FIG. 21(c)).Therefore, the amount of strain of the outer plate portion 251 of thebase portion 242 for the left-right direction is smaller than that inthe steady state. Note that in the pulled state, the amount of tensilestrain of the outer plate portion 251 decreases as the amount by whichthe elastic member 241 is deformed in the pulling direction.

Note that in the pulled state, when the amount by which the elasticmember 241 is deformed exceeds a certain level, as opposed to the stateshown in FIG. 21, the elastic member 241 pushes the outer plate portion251 upward near the openings, and pushes the inner plate portion 252(via the protection members) downward near the center of the baseportion 242. The elastic member 241 may be deformable to such a degreethat this state is achieved. In such a case as described above, theouter plate portion 251 is under a compressive strain for the left-rightdirection (i.e., a strain in the direction in which the outer plateportion 251 shrinks for the left-right direction). In other words, insuch a case as described above, the tensile strain of the outer plateportion 251 is a negative strain.

As described above, by detecting the strain (specifically, the tensilestrain) in the left-right direction of the base portion 242, it ispossible to calculate the direction of deformation and the amount ofdeformation of the elastic member 241, and it is possible to know thecontent of the operation performed using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. That is, based on the detection result of the strain gauge245 provided on the base portion 242, it is possible to identify thecontent of the operation performed using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 (specifically, the direction and the magnitude of theoperation of pushing or pulling the grip portions). Note that in thepresent embodiment, the process of identifying the content of theoperation performed using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 isexecuted by the main body apparatus 2.

Note that while the elastic member 241 is under a stress and thereforethe base portion 242 is under a tensile strain in the steady state inthe present embodiment, the elastic member 241 may be in such a shapethat the elastic member 241 is under no stress in the steady state(i.e., a shape that forms a part of a circular ring with no forceapplied thereto) in other embodiments. Even when the elastic member 241has such a shape as described above, by detecting the direction of thechange of strain of the base portion 242 (i.e., whether it is a tensilestrain or a compressive strain) and the amount of change thereof ascompared with the steady state, it is possible to calculate thedirection of deformation of the elastic member 241 and the amount ofdeformation thereof, and to know the content of the operation performedusing the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

As described above, the present embodiment employs a configuration wherethe strain gauge 245 is put on the base portion 242 so as to detect thestrain of the base portion 242, which functions as a strain body. Thatis, in the present embodiment, by providing the strain gauge 245 on thebase portion 242, which deforms less than the elastic member 241, ratherthan on the elastic member 241, which deforms more than the base portion242, it is possible to reduce the possibility of damaging the straingauge 245 due to deformation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245 alsodetects the strain in the front-rear direction as well as the strain inthe left-right direction. This is for performing temperaturecompensation. That is, based on the difference between the output from asensor that detects the strain in the left-right direction and theoutput from a sensor that detects the strain in the front-reardirection, the strain gauge 245 outputs a detection result (i.e., avalue representing the strain in the left-right direction), wherein theinfluence due to temperature-based changes in the sensor characteristicsis suppressed. In the present embodiment, temperature compensation isperformed by a bridge circuit that is provided together with the straingauge 245. Note that there is no limitation on the method for performingtemperature compensation based on strains for two directions, and thosesimilar to conventional methods may be used.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the strain in thefront-rear direction is detected so as to perform temperaturecompensation. In the present embodiment, the slits 258 are provided inthe base portion 242, forward and rearward of the strain gauge 245 (seeFIG. 18). The slits 258 are an example of holes, and generally have ashape with the width direction and the longitudinal direction. Note thatin the present embodiment, the slits 258 are holes that are differentfrom those through which rivets are passed as described above. Thereason for the provision of the slits 258 will now be described.

First, consider a case where no slits are provided in the base portion.It has been found that in such a case, when the force shown in FIG. 21is applied by the elastic member to the base portion, the outer plateportion of the base portion is not only under a tensile strain in theleft-right direction but also under a tensile strain in the front-reardirection. It is believed that this is because the base portion 242 hassuch a shape that the outer plate portion and the inner plate portionare continuous with each other with the side plate portionstherebetween, and therefore when a force is applied that bends down theleft and right end portions of the outer plate portion, the deformationof the inner plate portion and the side plate portions, which occurs atthe same time with the deformation of the outer plate portion, generatesa force on the outer plate portion such that the outer plate portion ispulled by the side plate portions. Where a strain in the front-reardirection does not occur when a strain in the left-right directionoccurs, by determining the difference between the detection results fromthe strain gauge for these two directions, variations in the outputvalue for the left-right direction due to temperature changes can becanceled out by variations in the output value for the front-reardirection due to temperature changes, and it is possible to obtain astrain value while taking temperature compensation into consideration.On the other hand, when a tensile strain occurs both in the left-rightdirection and in the front-rear direction, the difference between thedetection result for the left-right direction and the detection resultfor the front-rear direction is decreased (or substantially eliminated),and therefore it may be impossible to obtain an accurate value for thestrain value in the left-right direction while taking temperaturecompensation into consideration.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, with the provision of the slits258 in the base portion 242, it is possible to reduce the tensile strainin the front-rear direction occurring at the position where the straingauge 245 is provided. Specifically, the portion where the strain gauge245 is provided and the side plate portions 253 are separated from eachother by the slits 258. Therefore, when a force is applied to the outerplate portion 251 that bends down the left and right end portions of theouter plate portion 251, the portion where the strain gauge 245 isprovided is unlikely to receive a force by which it is pulled by theside plate portions 253 on the outer side, thereby reducing the tensilestrain in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, it ispossible with the slits 258 to make the tensile strain in the front-reardirection substantially zero. Therefore, there is a difference betweenthe detection result for the left-right direction and the detectionresult for the front-rear direction, and it is possible to obtain anaccurate value for the strain value in the left-right direction whiletaking temperature compensation into consideration. Note that even ifthe tensile strain in the front-rear direction is made substantiallyzero by the slits 258, there still remain variations in the strain valuein the front-rear direction due to temperature changes, and it istherefore possible to perform temperature compensation based on such adifference as described above. Needless to say, there is no limitationon the method for temperature compensation, and any correction may bemade as necessary, in addition to a method of simply obtaining thedifference.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245detects the strain of the base portion 242 for the left-right directionfrom the left opening 254 to the right opening 255, and the strain ofthe base portion 242 for the front-rear direction, which isperpendicular to the left-right direction. The base portion 242 has theslits 258, provided forward and rearward of the strain gauge 245 (seeFIG. 18). Thus, it is possible to perform temperature compensation basedon the difference between the strains for the two directions, and it ispossible to accurately detect the amount of strain.

In the present embodiment, the length of each slit 258 for theleft-right direction is longer than the length of the strain gauge 245for the left-right direction (see FIG. 18). The opposite ends of theslit 258 in the left-right direction are located on the outer side inthe left-right direction relative to the opposite ends of the straingauge 245 in the left-right direction. That is, for the left-rightdirection, the length from the center of the strain gauge 245 to theleft end of the slit 258 is longer than the length from the center tothe left end of the strain gauge 245, and the length from the center ofthe strain gauge 245 to the right end of the slit 258 is longer than thelength from the center to the right end of the strain gauge 245. Then,it is possible to sufficiently reduce the influence of a portion of thebase portion 242 where the strain gauge 245 is provided being pulled byother portions in the front-rear direction, and it is possible to detectan accurate amount of strain based on temperature compensation.

In the present embodiment, the slits 258 are provided on the outer plateportion 251, where the strain gauge 245 is provided, on opposite sidesof the strain gauge 245 for the front-rear direction. Therefore, when aforce is applied to the outer plate portion 251 in the direction ofbending up the outer plate portion 251, it is possible to effectivelysuppress the force by which the portion where the strain gauge 245 isprovided is pulled by the side plate portions 253. Thus, it is possibleto reduce the influence of the strain in the front-rear direction, andto accurately detect the amount of strain. Note that on the side plateportions 253, in addition to (or instead of) on the outer plate portion251, slits 258 may be provided on opposite sides of the strain gauge 245in the front-rear direction. Then, it is possible to reduce theinfluence of the strain in the front-rear direction as in the presentembodiment.

Note that although the slits 258, which are an example of holes, areprovided in the base portion 242 in the present embodiment, notchesinstead of holes may be provided in the base portion 242 in otherembodiments. Note that as used herein, a space that is surrounded by aplate-shaped member (e.g., the outer plate portion) over the entirecircumference is referred to as a “hole”, whereas a space that is notsurrounded by such a member over the entire circumference (i.e., thestructure is open in one direction along the circumference) is referredto as a “notch”. In other embodiments, notches may be provided so as toextend from one end of the outer plate portion in the left-rightdirection to positions forward and rearward of the strain gauge 245.Then, even when the outer plate portion 251 is bent, the portion wherethe strain gauge 245 is provided is less likely to receive a force bywhich it is pulled by the side plate portions 253 on the outer side.Thus, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce theinfluence of the strain in the front-rear direction, and it is possibleto accurately detect the amount of strain.

Note that there is no limitation on the position and the size of thenotches and/or holes provided forward and rearward of the strain gauge245. For example, in other embodiments, the notches and/or holes may beprovided in the side plate portions 253 of the base portion 242, or maybe provided in the inner plate portion 252. Even with such aconfiguration, it is possible to reduce the tensile strain in thefront-rear direction generated on the portion where the strain gauge 245is provided. It is believed that this is because such a configurationreduces the influence of the deformation of the inner plate portion 252and the side plate portions 253, which occurs at the same time with thedeformation of the outer plate portion 251, on the outer plate portion251 when a force is applied to the outer plate portion 251 that bendsdown the left and right end portions of the outer plate portion 251.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are each a diagram showing an example of the baseportion according to the first variation of the present embodiment. FIG.22 is a perspective view of a base portion 271 according to the firstvariation as viewed from above, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view of thebase portion 271 as viewed from below. Note that the hatched area shownin FIG. 22 denotes the position where the strain gauge 245 is provided.The dotted lines shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 (this similarly appliesalso to FIG. 24 to be discussed below) are drawn for ease ofunderstanding of the positions of an outer plate portion 273, side plateportions 274 and an inner plate portion 275 of the base portion 271, andthe dotted lines are not actually drawn on the base portion 271. FIG. 22and FIG. 23 (this similarly applies also to FIG. 24 to be discussedbelow) do not show holes through which rivets are passed, and screwholes for fastening the base portion 271 to the housing. Note that asdoes the base portion 242 of the present embodiment, the base portion271 of the first variation has a side surface that is continuous for onecomplete round in the circumferential direction with the inside of theside surface being hollow, and it can also be said to be a tubularshape. As does the base portion 242 of the present embodiment, the baseportion 271 of the first variation also includes two side plate portions274 that connect together the inner plate portion 275 and the outerplate portion 273 on opposite sides in the front-rear direction, and twoend portions of the elastic member 241 are surrounded by the inner plateportion 275, the outer plate portion 273 and the side plate portions274. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to realizethe effect of reducing the possibility of damaging the rivets and theelastic member. As the base portion 242 surrounds the end portions ofthe elastic member 241, it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe elastic member 241 may slip down the base portion 242 or come offthe base portion 242.

As shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, the tubular base portion 271 includes anotch 272, instead of the slits 258 of the present embodiment. As arethe slits 258 of the present embodiment, the notch 272 is provided toextend forward and rearward of the position where the strain gauge 245is provided. That is, the notch 272 is provided at the same position asthe strain gauge 245 for the left-right direction. In other words, thenotch 272 is provided in the central portion of the base portion 271 inthe left-right direction so as to extend across the side plate portions274 and the inner plate portion 275. In this variation, when a force isapplied that bends down the left and right end portions of the outerplate portion 273, the portion where the strain gauge 245 is provided isless likely to receive the influence of the deformation of the innerplate portion 275 and the side plate portions 274 because the side plateportions 274 and the inner plate portion 275 are absent (notched) in thecentral portion of the base portion 271. Therefore, also in the firstvariation, as in the embodiment described above, it is possible toreduce the tensile strain generated in the front-rear direction at theposition where the strain gauge 245 is provided, and it is possible torealize a similar effect to that of the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a base portion according to asecond variation of the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspectiveview of a base portion 276 according to the second variation as viewedfrom below. As shown in FIG. 24, the base portion 276 of the secondvariation is different from the base portion 271 of the first variationin that the inner plate portion 275 has a gap 277 that extends in theleft-right direction. Thus, the base portion 276 is in such a shape thatit can be produced by bending a single metal plate (note however thatthe base portion 276 is not limited to what can be produced through abending process). Note that even if the gap 277 is absent, it ispossible with the provision of the notch 272 to reduce the tensilestrain in the front-rear direction generated on the portion where thestrain gauge 245 is provided.

Note that in other embodiments, no holes or notches may be provided inthe base portion. For example, when the base portion is in a singleplate shape, it is believed that no tensile strain occurs in thefront-rear direction even if a force is applied that bends down the leftand right end portions of the base portion. Therefore, holes or notchesmay be absent in the base portion. For example, when temperaturecompensation by detecting the strain in the left-right direction and thestrain in the front-rear direction is not performed (i.e., when thestrain gauge detects only the strain in the left-right direction), holesor notches may be absent in the base portion.

FIG. 25 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the ring-shapedportion 201 and the main portion 202 of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. FIG. 25 shows the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 withthe outer housing 222 of the main portion 202 removed. FIG. 25 shows thering-shaped portion 201 and the main portion 202 partially cut awayalong, instead of the cross section that extends along half line AB ofFIG. 18 and is perpendicular to the Z axis, a cross section that isparallel to the cross section and that passes through the center of thebase portion 242 in the Z-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 25, the ring-shaped portion 201 and the main portion202 are secured to each other by fastening together the base portion 242of the ring-shaped portion 201 and the inner housing 221 of the mainportion 202. Specifically, the base portion 242 and the main portion 202are fastened together by screwing screws 284 into screw holes of theinner housing 221 while passing through holes 282 (see FIG. 19) providedin the inner plate portion 252 of the base portion 242. Note that in thepresent embodiment, the holes 282 are provided at two locations, forwardand rearward of the inner plate portion 252 (see FIG. 19), and the baseportion 242 and the main portion 202 are fastened together using screwsat the two locations.

As shown in FIG. 25, the base portion 242 and the main portion 202 arefastened together with a projection 286 of the inner housing 221inserted in a hole 281 provided in the inner plate portion 252 (see FIG.19). Thus, the base portion 242 and the main portion 202 are fastenedtogether while being positioned by the projection 286 and the hole 281.

In the present embodiment, the holes 282 provided in the inner plateportion 252 of the base portion 242 are located so as to oppose theslits 258 provided in the outer plate portion 251 of the base portion242. A portion of each slit 258 that opposes the hole 282 is slightlyenlarged so that the screw 284 can pass therethrough. Therefore, whenfastening together the base portion 242 and the inner housing 221 usingthe screws 284, it is possible to screw the screws 284 through the slits258. Thus, the inner housing 221 can be easily put on the base portion242.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the strain gauge 245 isprovided on the outer plate portion 251. The housing 212 is secured tothe inner plate portion 252 and at least covers the strain gauge 245.Thus, in the present embodiment, the position on the base portion 242where the strain gauge 245 is provided and the position at which thebase portion 242 is secured to the housing are arranged apart from eachother (e.g., on opposing surfaces of the base portion 242 having atubular shape). As the base portion 242 is secured (e.g., fastened usingscrews) to another member, the base portion 242 is under a stress, andthe strain gauge 245 may detect, as noise, a strain occurring due to thestress. Therefore, if the base portion 242 and another member aresecured to each other at a position near the strain gauge 245, noise tobe detected by the strain gauge 245 will increase, and the precision ofdetecting a strain due to deformation of the elastic member 241 maypossibly lower. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, as thebase portion 242 and the housing are secured together, the strain gauge245 is less likely to detect a strain (noise) generated on the baseportion 242, and it is therefore possible to improve the precision withwhich the strain gauge 245 detects a strain due to deformation of theelastic member 241.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the position at whichthe base portion 242 and the main portion 202 are secured to each otheris substantially at the center of the base portion 242 for theleft-right direction. For example, when the position at which the baseportion 242 and the main portion 202 are secured to each other islopsided in the left-right direction, the strain generated due to thesecuring will not be in symmetry for the left-right direction. Then,when the strain is detected by the strain gauge 245, the precision ofdetecting a strain due to deformation of the elastic member 241 maypossibly lower. In contrast, in the present embodiment, it is possibleto reduce the possibility that a strain is generated that isasymmetrical for the left-right direction, and it is therefore possibleto improve the precision with which the strain gauge 245 detects astrain due to deformation of the elastic member 241.

[1-2-4. Electrical Configuration]

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection relationshipbetween components of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. As shown inFIG. 26, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes a straindetector 291. The strain detector 291 is an example of a detector thatdetects deformation of the ring-shaped portion 201. In the presentembodiment, the strain detector 291 includes the strain gauge 245described above and a bridge circuit. The strain detector 291 outputs asignal representing the strain of the base portion 242 in accordancewith the deformation of the elastic member 241 (in other words, a signalrepresenting the magnitude of deformation and the direction ofdeformation of the elastic member 241). Note that in the presentembodiment, the output signal from the strain detector 291 represents astrain value that has been temperature-compensated by the bridgecircuit.

The ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes a signal conversionsection 292. In the present embodiment, the signal conversion section292 includes an amplifier and an AD converter. The signal conversionsection 292 is electrically connected to the strain detector 291 so asto amplify the output signal from the strain detector 291 through theamplifier and performs an AD conversion through the AD converter. Thesignal conversion section 292 outputs a digital signal representing thestrain value. Note that in other embodiments, the signal conversionsection 292 may not include an AD converter, and a processing section293 to be described below may include an AD converter.

The ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes the processing section293. The processing section 293 is a processing circuit including aprocessor and a memory, and is an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), forexample. The processing section 293 is electrically connected to thesignal conversion section 292, and the output signal from the signalconversion section 292 is input to the processing section 293. Thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes the terminal 294. Theterminal 294 is electrically connected to the processing section 293.When the right controller 4 is attached to the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, the processing section 293 sends information representingthe strain value that is represented by the output signal from thesignal conversion section 292 (in other words, the ring operation data)to the right controller 4 through the terminal 294. Note that a“terminal”, as used herein, means to encompass a terminal having one pin(i.e., a single-pin terminal) and a terminal having a plurality of pins(i.e., a multi-pin terminal).

The processing section 293 may execute a process in accordance with theoperation performed using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Forexample, the processing section 293 may count and store the number oftimes an operation is performed using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. The processing section 293 may execute a process inaccordance with an instruction transmitted from an external device(e.g., the main body apparatus 2 or the right controller 4) through theterminal 294.

The ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 includes a power conversionsection 295. The power conversion section 295 is electrically connectedto the sections 291 to 294. The power conversion section 295 suppliespower, which is supplied from the outside (i.e., the right controller 4)through the terminal 294, to the sections 291 to 294. The powerconversion section 295 may supply the supplied power to the sections 291to 294 after voltage adjustment, etc.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 operates by using the power supplied from the rightcontroller 4. That is, the strain detector 291 operates by using thepower supplied from the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 through the terminal 294. The processing section293, e.g., a transmitter, is configured to transmit data regarding thedetection result of the strain detector 291 (i.e., the ring operationdata) to the right controller 4 operates by using the power suppliedfrom the right controller 4 attached to the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 through the terminal 294. Thus, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 does not itself need to include a power supply, and it ispossible to reduce the weight of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

Note that the “data regarding the detection result of the straindetector” that is transmitted by the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5to another device may be data representing the detection result (in thepresent embodiment, the output signal from the strain detector 291representing the strain of the base portion 242) itself, or may be datathat is obtained by performing some processes on the detection result(e.g., data format conversion and/or an arithmetic process on the strainvalue, etc.). For example, the processing section 293 may perform aprocess of calculating the amount of deformation of the elastic member241 based on the strain value, which is the detection result, and the“data regarding the detection result of the strain detector” may be datathat represents the amount of deformation.

Note that in other embodiments, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5may include a battery and may operate by using power from the battery.The battery of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 may be arechargeable battery that can be charged by power supplied from theright controller 4.

[1-3. Belt-Shaped Extension Apparatus]

Next, a configuration of the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 will bedescribed. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a belt-shapedextension apparatus. The belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 is fastenedto a leg of the user with the left controller 3 accommodated therein(see FIG. 15). In the present embodiment, the belt-shaped extensionapparatus 6 is made of a fabric and has a flat shape.

As shown in FIG. 27, the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 includes anaccommodating portion 301 and a belt portion 302. The accommodatingportion 301 has a flat shape and is capable of accommodating the leftcontroller 3 therein. Specifically, the accommodating portion 301includes a pocket portion 303. The pocket portion 303 is formed in a bagshape that is sized so that the left controller 3 can be accommodatedtherein. Note that the pocket portion 303 does not need to be capable ofaccommodating the entirety of the left controller 3 but may only becapable of accommodating a part of the left controller 3 (may be capableof accommodating the entirety of the left controller 3). The pocketportion 303 has an opening on the upper side, and the left controller 3can be inserted from the upper side, thereby accommodating the leftcontroller 3 therein. Thus, in the present embodiment, as the leftcontroller 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 301, the leftcontroller 3 is attached to the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6. Notethat in other embodiments, there is no limitation on the configurationfor attaching the left controller 3 to the belt-shaped extensionapparatus 6. In other embodiments, the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6may include a similar rail portion to that of the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, and the left controller 3 may be attached to thebelt-shaped extension apparatus 6 by means of the rail portion.

As shown in FIG. 27, the accommodating portion 301 includes a throughhole 304 on one side of the pocket portion 303 (specifically, on theleft side of in FIG. 27). Although the details will be described later,the through hole 304 is a hole that allows the belt portion 302 to bepassed therethrough when fastening the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6to a leg of the user.

The belt portion 302 is provided on one side (specifically, on the rightside) of the pocket portion 303 of the accommodating portion 301, i.e.,on the opposite side from the through hole 304 with respect to thepocket portion 303. The belt portion 302 has a band shape, and one endthereof is secured to the accommodating portion 301. In the presentembodiment, the belt portion 302 is made of a flexible material (e.g., awoven rubber).

As shown in FIG. 27, a first touch fastener 305 and a second touchfastener 306 are provided on the surface of the belt portion 302 on thesame side as the pocket portion 303 is provided on the accommodatingportion 301. The first touch fastener 305 is provided near the endportion of the belt portion 302 that is on the opposite side from theother end portion that is secured to the accommodating portion 301. Thesecond touch fastener 306 is provided on the same surface as the firsttouch fastener 305 and on the side that is closer to the accommodatingportion 301 than the first touch fastener 305. In the presentembodiment, the second touch fastener 306 is provided in the regionbetween the first touch fastener 305 and the end portion of the beltportion 302 that is secured to the accommodating portion 301.

The first touch fastener 305 and the second touch fastener 306 can beattached to and detached from each other. For example, the first touchfastener 305 may be a hook-surface touch fastener, and the second touchfastener 306 is a loop-surface touch fastener.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the belt-shaped extensionapparatus fastened to a leg of the user. When fastening the belt-shapedextension apparatus 6, the user passes the belt portion 302 through thethrough hole 304 with the belt portion 302 wound around a leg, and theuser fastens together the first touch fastener 305 and the second touchfastener 306. Note that the user may accommodate the left controller 3in the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 and then fasten the belt-shapedextension apparatus 6, with the left controller 3 accommodated therein,to a leg, or the user may fasten the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6to a leg and then accommodate the left controller 3 in the belt-shapedextension apparatus 6. Thus, the user can fasten the belt-shapedextension apparatus 6, with the left controller 3 accommodated therein,to a leg, as shown in FIG. 28.

[2. Example Operation and Use]

Next, an example operation and use of a game system using two extensionapparatuses 5 and 6 will be described. In the present embodiment, theuser can play a game using two extension apparatuses 5 and 6 in additionto a game apparatus (e.g., the main body apparatus 2 and the controllers3 and 4). For example, the user can use the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 and the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 as a set.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the user holds the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 with the right controller 4 attached thereto withboth hands, and fastens the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 with theleft controller 3 accommodated therein to a leg. The user can play agame by performing an operation using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 (e.g., an operation of bending the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 and an operation of moving the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5), and performing an operation of moving the leg to which thebelt-shaped extension apparatus 6 is fastened.

Where the game process is executed on the main body apparatus 2, theright controller 4 receives the ring operation data from the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5. The ring operation data includes information thatrepresents the strain value. Specifically, the processing section 293 ofthe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 transmits the ring operation datato the right controller 4 through the terminal 294. For example, theprocessing section 293 repeatedly transmits the ring operation data atthe rate of once per a predetermined amount of time. Thus, in thepresent embodiment, even when the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 isnot deformed, the ring operation data is transmitted from the rightcontroller 4 to the main body apparatus 2. That is, when the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 is not deformed, the ring operation data includinginformation representing a strain value that represents no deformationis transmitted from the right controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2.

In such a case, the communication control section 111 of the rightcontroller 4 transmits the ring operation data, which has been receivedfrom the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 through the terminal 64, tothe main body apparatus 2. The communication control section 111transmits, to the main body apparatus 2, the right controller operationdata including information obtained from the input sections included inthe right controller 4 (specifically, the buttons 113, the analog stick52 and the sensors 114 and 115). Note that in such a case, thecommunication from the right controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2is done by wireless communication. The communication control section 111may transmit the right controller operation data and the ring operationdata together with each other to the main body apparatus 2, or maytransmit the data separately to the main body apparatus 2. Thecommunication control section 111 may transmit the received ringoperation data to the main body apparatus 2 as it is, or may performsome processes (e.g., data format conversion and/or an arithmeticprocess on the strain value, etc.) on the received ring operation dataand transmit the processed data to the main body apparatus 2.

As described above, the main body apparatus 2 can obtain data thatrepresents the operation performed using the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, and can execute the game process based on the data. Thatis, based on the information representing the strain value included inthe ring operation data, the main body apparatus 2 can identify theoperation of bending the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5(specifically, the operation of pushing the grip portions of thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 toward each other and the operation ofpulling the grip portions away from each other).

Since the right controller 4 is attached to the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, the acceleration sensor 114 of the right controller 4 candetect the acceleration of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, andthe angular velocity sensor 115 of the right controller 4 can detect theangular velocity of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Therefore,based on the right controller operation data including information thatrepresents the detection results of the sensors 114 and 115, the mainbody apparatus 2 can identify the operation of moving the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5. Note that the “operation of moving thering-shaped extension apparatus 5” means to include the operation ofplacing the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 in a particular positionand/or a particular attitude and the operation of changing the positionand/or the attitude of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

The main body apparatus 2 may execute the game process based on inputson the buttons 113 and/or the analog stick 52 of the right controller 4attached to the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. As described above,in the present embodiment, the right controller 4 is arranged upward ofthe grip portions while the user is holding the right grip portion 207with the right hand and the left grip portion 206 with the left hand(see FIG. 15). Therefore, it is easy for the user to operate the rightcontroller 4 by taking one hand off the grip portion from the statewhere the user holds the grip portion with both hands.

The right controller 4 may be configured so that the image captured bythe infrared imaging section 123 is included in the right controlleroperation data. For example, in the state where the user has a finger ona window portion 68, it is possible to calculate the heart rate of theuser based on the image captured by the infrared imaging section 123.For example, where the user performs a fitness exercise operation as thegame operation using the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 (and thebelt-shaped extension apparatus 6), the main body apparatus 2 maycalculate the heart rate before and after the fitness exercise operationbased on the right controller operation data.

On the other hand, where the game process is executed on the main bodyapparatus 2, the communication control section 101 of the leftcontroller 3 transmits the left controller operation data includinginformation obtained from the input sections included in the leftcontroller 3 (specifically, the buttons 103, the analog stick 32 and thesensors 104 and 105) to the main body apparatus 2. In such a case, thecommunication from the right controller 4 to the main body apparatus 2is done by wireless communication.

Since the left controller 3 is fastened to a leg of the user by means ofthe belt-shaped extension apparatus 6, the acceleration sensor 104 ofthe left controller 3 can detect the acceleration of the leg of theuser, and the angular velocity sensor 105 of the left controller 3 candetect the angular velocity of the leg of the user. Thus, the main bodyapparatus 2 can identify the operation of moving the leg of the userbased on the left controller operation data including information thatrepresents the detection results of the sensors 104 and 105. Note that“the operation of moving the leg of the user” means to include theoperation of placing the leg of the user in a particular position and/ora particular attitude (e.g., the operation of striking a particularpose) and the operation of changing the position and/or the attitude ofthe leg of the user (e.g., the operation of marching in place).

When the game process is executed, the main body apparatus 2 accepts, asgame operations, the operation of moving the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5, the operation using the right controller 4 attached to thering-shaped extension apparatus 5, and the operation of moving the legof the user, and executes the game process based on these operations.Specifically, the main body apparatus 2 executes the game process basedon the operation data (e.g., the ring operation data, the rightcontroller operation data and the left controller operation data)received from the controllers 3 and 4. Note that there is no limitationon the content of the game process. For example, the main body apparatus2 generates a game image that represents the result of the game process,and displays the game image on the display device.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the game image displayedduring the game process performed on the main body apparatus 2. In FIG.29, a game image representing a virtual space including a playercharacter 311 controlled by the user is displayed on the display device.The player character 311 is holding a ring object 312 that representsthe ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Note that the display devicedisplaying the game image may be the display 12 described above or maybe an external display device connected to the main body apparatus 2.

In the game process, the main body apparatus 2 controls the action ofthe player character 311 in response to the operation of deforming thering-shaped extension apparatus 5. For example, based on the informationthat represents the strain value included in the ring operation data,the main body apparatus 2 calculates the direction and the amount ofdeformation of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5. Then, the mainbody apparatus 2 controls the action of the player character 311 so thatthe player character 311 deforms the ring object 312 in sync with thedeformation of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5.

The main body apparatus 2 controls the action of the player character311 in response to the operation of moving the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5. For example, based on the detection results from thesensors 114 and 115 included in the right controller operation data, themain body apparatus 2 calculates the attitude of the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5. Then, the main body apparatus 2 controls theaction of the player character 311 moving the ring object 312 so thatthe ring object 312 in the virtual space assumes an attitude thatcorresponds to the attitude of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 inthe real space.

The main body apparatus 2 controls the action of the player character311 in response to the operation of moving the leg of the user. Forexample, based on information representing the detection results fromthe sensors 114 and 115 included in the left controller operation data,the main body apparatus 2 calculates the inclination of the leg of theuser. Then, the main body apparatus 2 controls the action of the playercharacter 311 so that the inclination of the leg of the player character311 coincides with the calculated inclination of the leg of the user.

According to the game process described above, in response to the userperforming a fitness exercise operation such as bending the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 or squatting, the main body apparatus 2 cancontrol the player character 311 so that the player character 311performs the same fitness exercise operation as the user.

While the description above has been directed to an example embodimentwhere the user holds the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 with bothhands, the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 may be used in other ways.For example, the user can have one of the two grip covers 206 and 207pressed against the belly while holding the other grip cover with bothhands, and perform the operation of bending the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 so as to bring the two grip covers 206 and 207 toward eachother. Through such an operation, the user can perform, as a gameoperation, a fitness exercise operation of training arm muscles andabdominal muscles. For example, the user can use the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 while holding the ring-shaped extension apparatus5 between the legs with the two grip covers 206 and 207 pressed againstthe left and right inner thighs. Then, the user performs the operationof bending the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 so as to bring the twogrip covers 206 and 207 toward each other by squeezing the legs. Throughsuch an operation, the user can perform, as a game operation, a fitnessexercise operation of training leg muscles. Thus, the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 can be used to perform fitness exercise operationsfor training various muscles across the whole body of the user.

There is no limitation on the content of the game to be executed throughthe game process performed on the main body apparatus 2. For example,the game to be executed may be a game in which the user performs afitness exercise operation so as to display an evaluation result for thefitness exercise operation (e.g., the number of times a fitness exerciseoperation is performed, the amount of time over which a fitness exerciseoperation is performed, whether the user made a move close to thereference move, and/or the calories burned, etc.). For example, the gameto be executed may be a game in which the user can inflict a damage onan enemy character or obtain an item depending on the evaluation resultfor the fitness exercise operation.

As described above, with the present game system 1, the user can performa fitness exercise operation in the game, wherein the fitness exerciseoperation can be used as the game operation.

Note that only one or both of the two extension apparatuses 5 and 6 maybe used in the game operation. For example, in a game, the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 and the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 may bothbe used at the same time for a game operation. For example, thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 may be used for a game operation in agame, and the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 may be used for a gameoperation in a different game. For example, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 may be used for a game operation in a scene (e.g., a battlescene) of a game, and the belt-shaped extension apparatus 6 may be usedfor a game operation in a different scene (e.g., while moving around ona map) of the same game.

In the game process, the main body apparatus 2 may give an outputinstruction to the controllers 3 and 4. That is, the main body apparatus2 may cause a vibrator 107 or 117 of the controller to vibrate or causethe controller to output a sound by the vibration of the vibrator 107 or117.

The extension apparatuses 5 and 6 may be usable during a period in whichthe game process is not being executed by the main body apparatus 2. Forexample, during such a period, when the right controller 4 is attachedto the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 may detect an operation of deforming the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 based on the information representing the strainvalue, and store information that represents the content of theoperation (e.g., the number of times the operation of deforming thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 is performed, or the amount of timeover which the operation is performed, etc.). Note that the informationmay be stored in the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 or may be storedin the right controller 4. In response to the operation of deforming thering-shaped extension apparatus 5, the right controller 4 may generate avibration using the vibrator 117 or may output a sound.

When information representing the content of the operation is stored asdescribed above, in the game process to be executed later, the main bodyapparatus 2 may obtain the information to execute the game process basedon the information. For example, the main body apparatus 2 may allow thegame to progress based on the information (e.g., by allowing the user toplay the next game level or by allowing the player character to grow),or the main body apparatus 2 may give the user an award in the game.

[3. Functions/Effects and Variations of Present Embodiment]

According to the embodiment described above, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 includes the following elements:

-   -   a ring-shaped portion 201 at least a part of which is        elastically deformable;    -   a detector (e.g., the strain gauge 245) that detects deformation        of the ring-shaped portion 201; and    -   a main portion 202 secured to the ring-shaped portion 201.

The main portion 202 includes the following elements:

-   -   an attachment portion (e.g., the rail portion 211) to which a        game controller (e.g., the right controller 4) can be attached;    -   a terminal (e.g., the terminal 294) for electrical connection        with the game controller; and    -   a transmitter (e.g., of the processing section 293) that        transmits data regarding a detection result from the detector to        the game controller through the terminal.

With the configuration described above, the deformation of thering-shaped portion by the operation of the user is transmitted to thegame controller attached to the apparatus as data regarding a detectionresult from the detector. Therefore, using the game system 1, theoperation of deforming the ring-shaped portion 201 of the ring-shapedextension apparatus 5 can be used as the game operation, and the usercan therefore perform a novel operation of deforming the extensionapparatus by using the game controller attached to the extensionapparatus.

According to the embodiment described above, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 can be said to be an input apparatus including the followingelements:

-   -   a ring-shaped portion 201 that is ring-shaped and at least a        part of which is elastically deformable;    -   a detector (e.g., the strain gauge 245) that detects deformation        of the ring-shaped portion 201;    -   a grip portion that is provided on the ring-shaped portion 201        and held by the user; and    -   a transmitter that transmits data regarding a detection result        from the detector to another apparatus (e.g., the right        controller 4).

Also with the configuration described above, using the game system 1,the operation of deforming the ring-shaped portion 201 of thering-shaped extension apparatus 5 can be used as the game operation, andthe user can therefore perform a novel operation of deforming theextension apparatus by using the game controller attached to theextension apparatus.

Note that the transmitter of the input apparatus may transmit data tothe right controller 4 or may transmit data to the main body apparatus2. For example, in other embodiments, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 may directly communicate with the main body apparatus 2without using the right controller 4 therebetween. The transmitter ofthe input apparatus may transmit data to another apparatus in a wiredconnection or in a wireless connection.

The input apparatus may include no attachment portion (e.g., the railportion 211) used for the attachment of the game controller thereto. Inother embodiments, an input apparatus that includes no attachmentportion may be used instead of the ring-shaped extension apparatus 5 andthe right controller 4 of the embodiment described above. In such acase, the transmitter may be a transmitter that transmits the data tothe main body apparatus 2.

According to the embodiment described above, the ring-shaped extensionapparatus 5 can be said to be an input apparatus including the followingelements:

-   -   an elastic member 241 that includes a first end portion and a        second end portion and at least a part of which is elastically        deformable;    -   a base portion 242 that holds both of the first end portion and        the second end portion of the elastic member 241 so that the        base portion 242 and the elastic member 241 together form a        ring; and    -   a strain gauge 245 that is provided on the base portion 242 and        that detects a strain generated on the base portion 242 upon        deformation of the elastic member 241 in response to an input        from the user.

With the configuration described above, a strain generated on the baseportion 242 due to deformation of the elastic member 241 is detected inresponse to the user deforming the elastic member 241 of the inputapparatus. Thus, using the game system 1, the operation of deforming theelastic member 241 of the input apparatus can be used as the gameoperation, and the user can therefore perform a novel operation ofdeforming the input apparatus. With the configuration described above,since the strain gauge 245 is provided on the base portion 242, it ispossible to reduce the possibility of damaging the strain gauge 245 dueto deformation of the elastic member 241.

(Variation Regarding Shape of Ring-Shaped Portion)

In the embodiment described above, the portion that can be bent by theoperation of the user is the ring-shaped portion 201. Herein, the shapeof the portion that can be bent by the operation of the user is notlimited to a ring shape but may be any other shape. For example,according to a variation of the embodiment described above, theextension apparatus that can be bent by the user may be configured asfollows.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of an extension apparatusaccording to a variation of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30,an extension apparatus 321 of the variation does not have a ring shapeas a whole. The extension apparatus 321 includes a main portion 322, afirst elastic member 323 and a second elastic member 324.

The configuration of the main portion 322 of this variation is the sameas that of the main portion 202 of the embodiment described above. Alsoin this variation, a base portion is provided in the main portion 322 asin the embodiment described above. The base portion holds the elasticmembers 323 and 324. The configuration of the base portion of thisvariation is the same as that of the main portion 202 of the embodimentdescribed above.

The elastic members 323 and 324 each have a plate shape (which can alsobe said to be a bar shape) similar to that of the embodiment describedabove. The elastic members 323 and 324 are each made of an elasticallydeformable material (e.g., an FRP as described above). The first elasticmember 323 is held by the base portion while inserted into the leftopening of the base portion. The second elastic member 324 is held bythe base portion while inserted into the right opening of the baseportion. Note that the manner in which the base portion holds theelastic members 323 and 324 in this variation is the same as that of theembodiment described above.

As described above, the extension apparatus 321 of this variation isdifferent from the embodiment described above in terms of the shape ofthe elastic member. Also with the extension apparatus 321 of thisvariation, the user can perform an operation of bending the elasticmember as in the embodiment described above. With the extensionapparatus 321, the strain generated on the base portion by the bendingoperation can be detected by the strain gauge provided on base portion.Therefore, the main body apparatus 2 can receive the informationrepresenting the strain value detected by the extension apparatus 321via the right controller 4 attached to the extension apparatus 321, andidentify the bending operation based on the strain value.

Note that the extension apparatus 321 may further include grip coversprovided on the elastic members 323 and 324. That is, each of theelastic members 323 and 324 may include a grip cover at an end portionof the elastic member that is opposite to the side on which the elasticmember is held by the base portion. Also with this variation, as in theembodiment described above, the grip covers may be attachable to anddetachable from the elastic members, or may be bonded to the elasticmembers in such a manner that they cannot be detached therefrom.

Thus, the extension apparatus 321 of the variation described above canbe said to be an input apparatus including the following elements:

-   -   a strain gauge;    -   a base portion on which the strain gauge is put;    -   a first elastic member 323 held by one hand of a user; and    -   a second elastic member 324, separate from the first elastic        member 323, held by the other hand of the user.

The base portion includes a first portion (the outer plate portion 251in the embodiment described above), and a second portion (the innerplate portion 252 in the embodiment described above) provided so as tooppose the first portion. The base portion holds the first elasticmember and the second elastic member with one end of the first elasticmember and one end of the second elastic member sandwiched between thefirst portion and the second portion.

Also with the configuration described above, as in the embodimentdescribed above, the user can perform a novel operation of deforming theextension apparatus by using the game controller attached to theextension apparatus.

According to the variation described above, a portion of the firstelastic member 323 that is sandwiched between the end portion of thefirst portion and the end portion of the second portion of the firstelastic member 323 is elastically deformable in the direction toward thefirst portion (i.e., upward) and in the direction toward the secondportion (i.e., downward). A portion of the second elastic member 324that is sandwiched between the end portion of the first portion and theend portion of the second portion is elastically deformable in thedirection toward the first portion and in the direction toward thesecond portion. Therefore, also with the variation, as in the embodimentdescribed above, the force that the base portion receives from theelastic members when the elastic members 323 and 324 deform can be moreevenly distributed between the first portion and the second portion.

Note that in the variation described above, the two elastic members 323and 324 are bar-shaped, and are provided so as to extend from the baseportion slightly below the horizontal direction (i.e., the X-axisdirection). In other embodiments, there is no limitation on the shape ofthe elastic members. For example, in other embodiments, the two elasticmembers may be provided so as to extend in a single line, or the twoelastic members and the main portion may together form a U-letter shape.The two elastic members 323 and 324 may be connected to each other attheir end portions opposite to the side they are held by the mainportion 322 so that the extension apparatus as a whole may bebow-shaped. Then, the user may perform an operation of pulling themember that connects together the two elastic members 323 and 324 (whichmay be of the same material as the elastic members 323 and 324 or may beof a different material) as if it were a string on a bow. In anothervariation, elastic members may extend in two directions, i.e., upwardand downward, from the left end and the main portion 322 and elasticmembers may extend in two directions, i.e., upward and downward, fromthe right end of the main portion 322 so that the extension apparatus asa whole is formed in an H-letter shape. Then, the user can perform adeformation operation by holding any of the elastic members extending infour directions.

In other embodiments, according to the variation described above, thetwo elastic members 323 and 324 may be configured as an integral member.That is, the extension apparatus 321 may be an input apparatus includingthe following elements:

-   -   an elastic member at least a part of which is elastically        deformable;    -   a base portion that holds the elastic member so that the elastic        member extends from one end of the base portion and the elastic        member extends from the other end of the base portion; and    -   a strain gauge provided on the base portion that detects a        strain generated on the base portion due to deformation of the        elastic member in response to an input from the user.

Also with the configuration described above, as in the embodimentdescribed above, the user can perform a novel operation of deforming theextension apparatus by using the game controller attached to theextension apparatus.

The extension apparatus 321 of the variation described above can be saidto be an apparatus including the following elements:

-   -   a first holder that is held by one hand of a user (e.g., a        portion of the elastic member 323 that is held by the left hand        of the user);    -   a second holder that is held by the other hand of the user        (e.g., a portion of the elastic member 324 that is held by the        right hand of the user);    -   a deformable portion that is deformed by a force applied to the        first holder and the second holder (e.g., portions of the        elastic members 323 and 324 other than the first holder and the        second holder);    -   a detector (e.g., a strain gauge) that detects deformation of        the deformable portion; and    -   a main portion 322 that is provided between the first holder and        second holder,

wherein the main portion 322 includes the following elements:

-   -   an attachment portion (e.g., the rail portion 211) to which a        game controller (e.g., the right controller 4) can be attached;    -   a terminal (e.g., the terminal 294) for electrical connection        with the game controller; and    -   a transmitter (e.g., of the processing section 293) that        transmits data regarding a detection result of the detector to        the game controller through the terminal.

Moreover, the main portion 322 includes a protruding portion thatprotrudes on one side or the other side in the front view directionrelative to the first holder and the second holder as the extensionapparatus is viewed from the front side, and the attachment portion isprovided on the protruding portion.

Also with the configuration described above, as in the embodimentdescribed above, the user can perform a novel operation of deforming theapparatus using the game controller attached to the apparatus. Accordingto the configuration described above, it is less likely that thedeformable portion contacts the attachment portion when the deformableportion is deformed, and it is possible to reduce the possibility thatthe game controller comes off the apparatus as the deformable portioncontacts the attachment portion.

Note that the “front view direction”, as used in the configurationdescribed above, refers to a direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction shownin FIG. 30) that is perpendicular to a plane including the direction inwhich the deformable portion is deformed. Note that where the deformableportion can be deformed in any direction, as opposed to being limited toa particular direction and its opposite direction, the “direction inwhich the deformable portion is deformed” refers to, for example, thedirection in which the amount of deformation is maximum in the presenceof a certain force applied to the deformable portion, from among all thedirections in which the deformable portion can be deformed.Alternatively, the “direction in which the deformable portion isdeformed” can be said to be the most natural direction of deformationwhen the user deforms the extension apparatus by applying a forcethereto while holding the extension apparatus.

With the configuration described above, as in the embodiment describedabove, the main portion includes a housing with holes formed therein andis formed so that the housing covers at least portions of the firstholder and the second holder with the first holder and the second holderpassing through the holes. The attachment portion is provided on oneside or the other side in the front view direction relative to the holesas the apparatus is viewed from the front side. Therefore, it ispossible to further reduce the possibility that the deformable portioncontacts the attachment portion.

(Variation Regarding Method for Attaching Game Controller to ExtensionApparatus)

In the embodiment described above and the variations thereof, the rightcontroller 4 is attached to the extension apparatus with the slideportions (e.g., the rail portion or the slider) of the extensionapparatus and the right controller 4 slidably engaging with each other.In other embodiments, there is no limitation on the configuration (inother words, the method) for attaching the right controller 4 to theextension apparatus. For example, in other embodiments, the extensionapparatus may include a claw so that the right controller 4 can beremovably attached to the extension apparatus by hooking the claw on theright controller 4. Then, it can be said that the claw that is hooked onthe right controller 4 is the attachment portion described above. Forexample, in other embodiments, the main portion may include a clampportion that clamps the primary surface and the reverse surface of theright controller 4. Then, it can be said that the clamp portion thatclamps the right controller 4 is the attachment portion described above.In other embodiments, the right controller 4 may be attached to theextension apparatus by means of a bayonet connection, a magneticconnection, insertion, pivot/twist, etc.

(Variation Regarding Communication Between Game Controller and ExtensionApparatus)

In the embodiment described above and the variations thereof, theextension apparatus transmits information to the right controller 4through the terminal (i.e., in a wired connection). In otherembodiments, the extension apparatus may include a wirelesscommunication section that wirelessly communicates with the rightcontroller 4 so that the information is transmitted to the rightcontroller 4 by the wireless communication section.

(Variation Regarding Method for Detecting Bending Operation)

In the embodiment described above and the variations thereof, the gamesystem 1 uses a strain sensor as the detector that detects deformationof the ring-shaped portion (in other words, the elastic members). Inother embodiments, there is no limitation on the configuration of thedetector, and any other type of a sensor may be used. For example, theextension apparatus may include a pressure sensor and/or a bend sensoras the detector. For example, the pressure sensor detects the pressurethat the base portion receives from the elastic member. Then, it ispossible to calculate the amount by which the elastic member is bentbased on the detected pressure value. The bend sensor is provided on theelastic member and detects the amount by which the elastic member isbent. As described above, the detector for detecting deformation of thering-shaped portion may be a detector that detects the amount ofdeformation or may be a detector that detects other physical quantities(e.g., the amount of strain or the pressure) caused by deformation.

The embodiment described above is applicable to an extension apparatusfor game controllers, for example, with the aim of allowing for a noveloperation, etc.

While certain example systems, methods, devices and apparatuses havebeen described herein, it is to be understood that the appended claimsare not to be limited to the systems, methods, devices and apparatusesdisclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An extension apparatus to which a controller isattached, the controller including an analog stick at a position on afront surface of the controller, and at least one button below theanalog stick on the front surface, the extension apparatus comprising: apocket having an opening on an upper side of the pocket, wherein thepocket is dimensioned and configured so that, in a case where thecontroller is accommodated in the pocket from a lower side of thecontroller, the button is accommodated inside the pocket, and the analogstick is exposed above the pocket; and a band in a left-right-directionof the pocket, the band being configured to be fastened to a user. 2.The extension apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pocket isshaped so that a lower left corner of the pocket is more rounded than alower right corner of the pocket so as to accommodate a lower leftcorner on the front surface of the controller that is more rounded thana lower right corner on the front surface of the controller.
 3. Theextension apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is at aposition where the pocket is between the band and the through hole, andthe band is configured to be passed through the through hole.
 4. Theextension apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: a firstsurface fastener on a surface of the band; and a second surface fasteneron the surface, the second surface fastener being removably attachableto the first surface fastener, wherein the pocket and the surface of theband faces the same side.
 5. The extension apparatus according to claim4, wherein a distance between the pocket and the second surface fasteneris shorter than a distance between the pocket and the first surfacefastener.
 6. The extension apparatus according to claim 5, wherein anarea of the second surface fastener is wider than an area of the firstsurface fastener.
 7. The extension apparatus according to claim 6,wherein the first surface fastener is near a further end portion fromthe pocket between end portions of the band.
 8. The extension apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising an accommodating portion,wherein the pocket is on the accommodating portion, in the accommodatingportion, a through hole is at a position where the pocket is between theband and the through hole, and the band is configured to be passedthrough the through hole.
 9. The extension apparatus according to claim8, wherein the pocket is on the front side of the accommodating portion,and the extension apparatus further comprises: a first surface fasteneron a front side of the band; and a second surface fastener on the frontside of the band, the second surface fastener being removably attachableto the first surface fastener.
 10. The extension apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the accommodating portion has a first height that isabove a second height at which the opening is formed so that the analogstick is positioned at a third height that is between the first andsecond heights.
 11. The extension apparatus according to claim 8,wherein a height of the accommodating portion is above a height at whichthe band is attached to the accommodating portion.
 12. The extensionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pocket is dimensioned andshaped to accommodate and cover the at least one button when the atleast one button comprises four buttons.
 13. The extension apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the pocket is sized and shaped toaccommodate only a portion of the controller when the controller isinserted to the maximum extent into the pocket, such that an upperportion of the controller protrudes outside the pocket.
 14. A systemcomprising a first controller and a second controller used to operate aninformation processing apparatus, and an extension apparatus, whereinthe first controller includes: an analog stick on a front surface of thefirst controller; and at least one button below the analog stick on thefront surface, the first controller is shaped so that a lower leftcorner on the front surface of the first controller is more rounded thana lower right corner on the front surface of the first controller, thesecond controller includes: an analog stick on a front surface of thesecond controller; and at least one button above the analog stick on thefront surface, the second controller is shaped so that a lower rightcorner on the front surface of the second controller is more roundedthan a lower left corner on the front surface of the second controller,and the extension apparatus includes: a pocket having an opening on anupper side of the pocket, wherein the pocket is shaped so that a lowerleft corner of the pocket is more rounded than a lower right corner ofthe pocket, and in a case where the controller is accommodated in thepocket from a lower side of the first controller, the button isaccommodated inside the pocket, and the analog stick is exposed abovethe pocket; and a band in a left-right-direction of the pocket, the bandbeing configured to be fastened to a user.
 15. The system according toclaim 14, wherein the at least one button included in the firstcontroller is four buttons.
 16. The system according to claim 14,further comprising an accommodating portion, wherein the pocket is onthe accommodating portion.
 17. The system according to claim 16, whereinthe accommodating portion has a first height that is above a secondheight at which the opening is formed so that the analog stick ispositioned at a third height that is between the first and secondheights.
 18. The system according to claim 16, wherein a height of theaccommodating portion is above a height at which the band is attached tothe accommodating portion.
 19. The system according to claim 15, whereinthe pocket is sized and shaped to accommodate only a portion of thecontroller when the controller is inserted to the maximum extent intothe pocket, such that an upper portion of the controller protrudesoutside the pocket.